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FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020 Volume 31 - No. 8 • 16 Pages

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Fil-Ams participate in early voting ahead of Nevada caucus by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

LAS VEGAS — Filipino American voters in Clark County turned out during the early voting period leading up to Nevada’s caucuses on Saturday, February 22. For the first time, Nevada — the third state to vote in the 2020 Democratic primary — has Tagalog as a language option for caucus materials, which reflects Filipinos being the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) group in the state. There are 168,200 Filipinos residing in the state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Ameri- EARLY VOTING. Voters line up at Chinatown Plaza Mall in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 18 to cast their ballots early ahead of the Nevada caucuses on Saturday, Feb. 22. More than 33,000 people turned out on Tuesday, the final day of early

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DATELINE

voting, according to the Nevada Democratic Party.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

Former VP Biden makes pitch to Vegas AAPI voters once more

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

DOT: US third biggest source of tourists to PH

THE United States accounted for the third biggest source of visitors to the Philippines during 2019 with 1.06 million tourist arrivals, according to the latest figures from the Department of Tourism. The DOT on Monday, February 17 revealed that the country’s tourist arrivals exceeded its 8.2 million full-year target with 8.26 million arrivals. This year-end figure also exceeded the 7.16 million arrivals in 2018. “This heralds a new milestone in the country’s tourism history, breaching the eightmillionth mark,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat in a statement. She added, “Without doubt, our convergence programs with other government agencies, particularly in improving access to

by CHRISTINA

AJPress

Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks to a predominantly Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) crowd on Tuesday night, February 18. He touted the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and record of appointing AAPI officials. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

FILIPINA American basketball coach Christina Mauser — who was among the nine victims in the helicopter crash that also killed NBA icon Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna last month — was honored during a private funeral service on Sunday, February 16. Mauser, 38, was memorialized by family and friends at her alma mater, Edison High School in Huntington Beach, California, three weeks after the fatal crash in Calabasas on January 26. She had been inducted into the high school’s athletic hall of fame for her accomplishments in both varsity basketball and volleyball, according to local television station KTLA5. Mauser previously worked as a basketball coach at Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar, where Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna attended, and was an assistant coach at Mamba Sports Academy. The younger Bryant was also among the victims of the crash on Sunday, January 26 as they made their way to the academy in Thousand Oaks for a game. Mauser is survived by her husband Matt and

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LAS VEGAS — Bearing in-language campaign signs and chanting “Let’s Go Joe,” some 300 supporters flocked to a campaign event on Tuesday, February 18 for former Vice President and 2020 presidential hopeful Joe Biden as he made another appeal to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters in the city. Ahead of the Nevada caucuses on Saturday, Tuesday night’s event was organized by the Biden for President Nevada

AAPI Leadership Council and AAPI Victory Fund at Harbor Palace Seafood Restaurant where the vice president spoke for roughly 13 minutes. Biden previously held an event at this restaurant last summer. Despite the former vice president’s performance in the Iowa and New Hampshire contests, the campaign is confident that Nevada’s results will be more in Biden’s favor as it has focused on outreach to voters of color in the state, particularly in Clark County. “The idea that we’ve decided the nomi-

Q&A: DNC Chair Tom Perez expresses importance of Fil-Am community outreach, party unity leading up to November Interview by CHRISTINA

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Private service held for Fil-Am basketball coach Christina Mauser weeks after helicopter crash

M. ORIEL

AJPress

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M. ORIEL

WITH the 2020 Nevada presidential caucuses this week, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez weighed in on the lessons from the Iowa Caucus and how outreach to the Filipino American community both in the state and nationally is a key strat- Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren attended an AAPI meet and greet at Café de Manila in Las Vegas last July 2, 2019. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal egy for the party. Asian Journal (AJ): We last spoke to you in 2018 during the midterms and you were touring Seafood City here which had early voting. How is the DNC continuing its efforts, especially with Filipinos as the largest AAPI population in the state? Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Tom Perez Tom Perez (TP): Next week will be three visits the media center at Bally’s Hotel and Casino ahead of years to the day since my election. I ran vowing

As the Democratic field narrows, AAPIs get behind Warren presidential campaign

the Democratic primary debate in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, February 19. AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

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Trump ‘deserves to be reelected’ –Duterte by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA

AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte believes United States President Donald Trump “deserves to be reelected” for understanding and respecting the Philippines’ decision to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Malacañang said. “PRRD (President Duterte) welcomes President Trump’s remarks and he is glad that the American President understands and respects his decision to end the Visiting Forces Agreement,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a state-

ment on Saturday, February 15. “It is President Trump’s circumspect and judicious reaction to the termination of the VFA that made PRRD give the following remarks: ‘President Trump is a good President and he deserves to be reelected,’” he added. Trump on February 12 said he was “fine” with Duterte’s order to terminate the VFA with the country. “But I — I really don’t mind. If they would like to do that, that’s fine. We’ll save a lot of money. You know, my views are different than other people. I view it

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Warren’s campaign manager Roger Lau on the need for diverse presidential campaigns and why he thinks Warren is the candidate for AAPIs by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

AS early primary and caucus states begin to set the tone for the historic 2020 presidential election, an issue of great enormity lies in the ways in which the narrowing field of Democratic hopefuls plan to utilize inclusion and diversity within their campaigns and broad agendas. For the first time in American electoral history, campaigns are beginning to hold these conversations within complex demographic intersections: the lack

of linguistic diversity within bureaucratic processes, oversimplified data that shuts out individual cultures and their specific needs and the objective importance of an ethnically and racially diverse workplace. Elizabeth Warren, the senior senator representing Massachusetts who’s positioned herself at the fore of progressive politics, made history last year by hiring the first Asian American campaign manager for a major presidential campaign. Chinese American Roger Lau

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february 20-26, 2020 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

From The FronT Page

DOT: US third biggest source of tourists... PAGE 1 destinations, as well as product development and marketing initiatives with local governments and the private sector, have greatly paid off. We hope to sustain these gains even as we face global challenges. Puyat said that this is a high point for Philippine tourism as it depicts the solidarity and commitment to make tourism work.

Fil-Ams participate in early... PAGE 1

REMEMBERING MANILA. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat and Jose Miguel Cabarrus (right), president of the Memorare Manila 1945, pose after laying a wreath before the Memorare Manila 1945 monument in Intramuros, Manila on Saturday, February 15, in honor of civilians who died during the Second World War. ManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili

can Community Survey (ACS) in 2018. At the Chinatown Plaza Mall along Spring Mountain Road on Tuesday, Feb. 18 — the last day of the early voting period that started last Friday — voters reported waiting up to an hour to cast their ballots. For Fil-Am millennial Erwin Ventura, who voted on Tuesday night 30 minutes before the polls closed at 8 p.m, the process was “pretty easy.” Unlike the Iowa caucuses, Nevada voters were met with a low-tech approach instead with presidential preference cards where they ranked at least their top three (and up to five) candidates in order of preference. “I knew I had to pick three choices, but other than that, I wasn’t too sure about the rest of the process so I did my own research,” Ventura told the Asian Journal after submitting his ballot. Election workers were on hand to check voters in with iPads that contained voter rolls and moved voters through the voting stations set up at the mall’s entrance. The iPads were also equipped with custom calculators on Google forms to tabulate the votes. According to caucus rules, if the candidate that the early voters choose doesn’t get at least 15% of the total vote tally, their second and third preferences will be considered. Ventura said he ranked Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who has been leading in national polls, and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren as his top two picks, respectively. “I feel the nation needs somebody who is representative of everybody regardless of your race or whether you’re straight, gay, or an immigrant,” he said. “I think Bernie represents that to the best extent. I can respect what Warren is trying to do and I think America is ready for a woman in charge so if Bernie isn’t the choice, I’d give it to her.”

It also proves the sector’s full potential as a sustainable and inclusive economic activity, she said. The DOT’s data showed that South Korea remained the Philippines’ top source market with 1.98 million arrivals. This is followed by China, whose tourist arrivals increased by 38.58% to 1.74 million in 2019 — the largest increase recorded among markets. After the U.S., Japan ranked next with 682,788 arrivals, while Taiwan settled for fifth place 327,273 arrivals. This year, the DOT is targeting to attract 9.2 million international visitor arrivals despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Puyat acknowledged that the outbreak will likely impact greatly on the tourism industry’s performance as China is the country’s second-largest source of tourists. The tourism sector could lose P16.8 billion this February, P14.11 billion in March and P11.98 billion in April, for a total of P42.9 billion, the tourism secretary estimated. Tourism Congress of the Philippines President Jose C. Clemente III, meanwhile, said it is “too early” to determine how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect the full-year tourist arrivals target. “(For the first quarter) definitely, it’s going to be affected. Let’s say it’s safe to say it will probably be down by about 30%, just to be safe about it, from [the first quarter] of the PAGE 1 previous year’s arrivals,” he (who holds the distinction of said. n first AAPI campaign manager along with Pakistani American Faiz Shakir, Bernie Sanders’ campaign manager) has worked with Warren since her senatorial campaign. His career as a political strategist and consultant began in 2004 with the presidential campaign and 2008 senatorial campaign of John Kerry. As a respected consultant within the Democratic Party — who also provided Massachusetts-related policy help for Hillary Clinton — Lau has been an influential piece into ensuring that the AAPI community (the fastest-growing electorate in the nation) is included in the political conversation; and, the most basic way to get that conversation started is through representation. “I think the cultural and linguistic barriers continue to be an issue for our communities here writ large and people aren’t always lucky to have a social support system when they get here and having that kind of representation in government is really important,” Lau shared with the Asian Journal in a recent phone interview. Lau’s alignment with the Democratic Party likely began in his youth in the 80s and 90s in Woodside, Queens in New York City. The son of immigrants from Guangzhou, China, he saw the resilience of the Asian immigrant through his parents, who both worked two jobs to support the family of five. But contrary to the “model minority myth” that purports all Asian Americans as academically excellent, Lau “got into a lot of trouble” as a teen, dropping out of Bronx High School of Science at 13 years old. But Lau credits the youth guidance counselors, social workers and mentors who helped him get on the right track. Eventually, he got his GED and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in political science and a desire to ensure that all kids have access to the kind of social support he received as a truant 13year-old. “I wasn’t your typical Asian kid that was on track, and I think that it’s a lot harder for people now to get themselves out of these positions. Usually, when you get into trouble, the infrastructure of support is not there and going into college, I wanted to be able to help kids like me, kids who’ve messed up and gotten into trouble, and give them a chance for redemption,” Lau said. Warren and Lau first began talking about the importance of AAPI representation in govern-

Las Vegas resident Minerva Honkala lines up to vote at Chinatown Plaza Mall.

Erwin Ventura, a physical therapist, voted in the Nevada caucus for the first time. AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

Frank De La Vega, a retiree who lives in Summerlin, said he participated for the first time in a caucus on Tuesday to “experience [my] right as a citizen.” He came to the precinct with five friends who also voted. “There’s a need to be aware of the dangers of the present guy in the White House,” De La Vega said. He shared that he selected former Vice President Joe Biden as his top choice because of “his necessary experience with passing legislation.” Fil-Am community leader Minerva Honkala said her preferred candidate already dropped out of the race, but is committing to vote for the eventual Democratic nominee come November. “I really wanted a change so whoever is the best choice among the Democratic candidates, I will vote for that person,” Honkala said. In the caucus, however, she threw her support behind Biden as well to “carry on the leadership during Obama’s eight-year term.” In the past year, Democratic presidential candidates have been courting AAPI voters in Nevada, as they’re considered the fastest-growing ethnic group. The number of eligible AAPI voters grew 49% from 2012 to 2018. Recent campaign outreach efforts have included Filipino ka-

mayan dinners and field staffers attending Lunar New Year festivities. Before dropping out of the presidential race, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and his campaign led a Tagalog caucus training session in December. For Felipe Danglapin, Booker was his top choice, but he has since decided to back former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg because his “policies are something that both sides of the aisle can work with. [They’re] not too extreme from the left or from the right.” “I first met Mayor Pete in person in May 2019 and from there, I am very impressed [with] how intelligent he is and how he handles himself answering the questions,” said Danglapin, a business and tax advisor, adding that he believes Buttigieg can “unite the country.” Early caucus voting took place from Feb. 15 to 18 as sites were set up around the county, such as at hotels and casinos on the Vegas strip for workers who work late shifts, union offices, and local libraries. Tallies from the four-day period will be added to the counts from Saturday’s caucus. Over 33,000 individuals voted on Tuesday, bringing the total to more than 70,000 voters, according to the state’s Democratic Party Nevada has 36 delegates up for grabs. n

As the Democratic field narrows, AAPIs get behind...

Sen. Elizabeth Warren makes her case for the presidency during an event in Las Vegas last summer. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

ment back when the political consultant was tapped for Warren’s senatorial campaign in 2011. According to Lau, Warren’s presidential campaign has more than 100 AAPI staffers, including Mary Lou Akai-Ferguson, the national AAPI community engagement and organizing director for Warren for President who has led the campaign’s grassroots outreach efforts. “As Elizabeth often likes to say, personnel is policy,” Akai-Ferguson said in a statement sent to the Asian Journal. “That’s why our team has been so intentional about representation by bringing key AAPI voices into our movement. Having an Asian American campaign manager like Roger, along with AAPI staff members at every level of our campaign — from senior leadership to organizers on the ground — makes a real difference when it comes to making policy that reflects the diversity and unique needs of our community.” The inclusion of an AAPI force within Warren’s campaign manifested itself into a new proposal part of her broader call for “big structural change.” Last week, Warren released the White House Task Force on Data Equity in an effort to “collect disaggregated data” from all government agencies and departments. The issue of disaggregated data, the practice of separating figures and statistics and taking a granular approach to examine the specific needs of various communities, has been a main talking point among AAPIs but one that rarely gets a mention from mainstream politicians, much less a major presidential contender. Warren’s sweeping AAPI agenda comprises insight and research from activists, organizers, community leaders and policy experts on broad issues ranging from affordable housing, immigration, income inequality, health care and affordable public education. “Data equity is a civil rights issue. And from the wage gap to the 2020 Census, communi-

ties that have been perpetually erased are calling to be counted and have their experiences made visible,” Warren wrote in the agenda released on February 13. “I believe that you measure what you care about — and I care about building a government that works for everyone in the diverse AAPI community,” she added. The senator’s inclusive approach in her short but eventful career as a policymaker has made her a standard-bearer for a particular brand of accessible progressive politics that appeals to a wide range of liberal-/leftist-leaning Americans. Since announcing her campaign in early 2019, Warren has enjoyed a huge jump in her political profile and more attention paid to her approach to policy. Initially, Warren was a clear favorite among Democratic voters, but as the primaries began, she dipped in the polls. RealClearPolitics has her in 4th place, as of Wednesday, February 19, and she earned third and fourth place in the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, respectively. Nevertheless, Warren boasts a strong list of endorsers from the AAPI community that includes mayors councilmembers, state assemblymembers and senators and public figures like actress Constance Wu and award-winning writers Celeste Ng and Jenny Han. The official AAPI engagement group for Warren’s campaign, AAPIs with Warren, comprises of more than 150 AAPI leaders who banded together to endorse Warren for president, including prominent Filipino Americans like singer AJ Rafael, author Gina Apostol, documentary filmmaker Ramona Diaz, and psychology professor Kevin Nadal. “This is why we passionately support Senator Elizabeth Warren for President: because she recognizes the gravity of the threats we face today to our democracy and security — and the major structural changes that are required to confront these issues. And we hope that you will join us in supporting her campaign,” the group wrote in a Medium post in January. n

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Dateline USa

Photo shows Christina Mauser (far left), an assistant coach for Mamba Sports Academy, with Gianna (2nd from right) and Kobe Bryant during a team practice last year. Photo from Kobe Bryant/Instagram

Private service held for Fil-Am basketball coach...

PAGE 1 their three young children ages 11, 9 and 3. Her husband Matt previously shared in an interview with the “TODAY” show that Bryant had handselected her to be assistant coach for Mamba Academy. “Kobe brought her on (to the Mambas) to teach the kids defense,” Matt Mauser said. “He didn’t really understand zone defense because he never played it in high school or college. They called her the Mother of Defense. MOD.” He added, “[Kobe] didn’t choose Christina for just any ordinary reason — she was extraordinary. She was incredibly witty, funny like nobody you’ve ever met.” In addition to the Bryants and Mauser, the victims aboard the

Sikorsky S-76B aircraft were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri, and their daughter, Alyssa; Sarah Chester and her daughter, Payton; and Ara Zobayan, who was Bryant’s private pilot. Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester both played for Mamba Academy as well. Mauser was also honored by the California State Assembly on January 30 and at a public vigil at Huntington Beach Pier on Feb. 1. A GoFundMe page with a $300,000 goal has been started for the Mauser family. As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $290,000. A public memorial will be held for Bryant and Gianna on Feb. 24 at the Staples Center in Los

Angeles. All proceeds will go to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. (AJPress)

The late Christina Mauser and Gianna Bryant on the court Photo courtesy of Mamba Sports Academy

Former VP Biden makes pitch to Vegas AAPI... PAGE 1

nation before we’ve heard from all those folks, all of you, is absolutely ridiculous,” Biden said, noting that the first two contests did not reflect voters in the AAPI, Latino and Black communities. Biden continued his remarks by touting the Obama administration’s strides in appointing the most number of AAPI judges and women in government positions, re-esFilipina American businesswoman and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis introduces former Vice tablishing the White House President Joe Biden at a campaign stop at a Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas on Tuesday, February Initiative on AAPIs, and sign18. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal ing the Affordable Care Act

into law. “And we finally provided compensation for Filipino World War II veterans, which was long, long overdue,” he said to roaring applause. Before leaving office, President Barack Obama signed a measure in December 2016 that honors Filipino and Filipino-American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal. With immigration one of the hottest topics and AAPIs largely left out of the national conversation, Biden reminded the audience that the Latino community didn’t only benefit from Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. He briefly touched on his plan that would “legalize DREAMers and put a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented people” and also expand the number of visas allotted each year. “We should be able to increase to 3 million people who come for family reunification…It makes no sense. This is a big, strong, vibrant country. The idea we can’t reunite more families is absolutely bizarre,” he said. Though Biden did not spend too much time attacking President Donald Trump, he painted that his presidency would restore “decency” to the office. “I’m going to make sure we show that we choose hope over fear. We choose science over fiction…We choose compassion over cruelty and most importantly, we choose truth over lies,” he said in closing. “We are going to take back this country, lead the world again and become the envy of the world once again.” After his speech, the vice president shook hands and took photos with supporters as they exited and were reminded by campaign volunteers to vote in the caucus. Next door, the Chinatown Plaza Mall was a site for early voting, which ended on Tuesday night. Super PAC AAPI Victory Fund, which endorsed Biden last month, said it is planning to spend $2 million for voter outreach during this election cycle. Filipina American businesswoman and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis shared her immigrant story and expressed disappointment in Trump’s threat to “make America white again,” she

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 20-26, 2020

said. “That’s why we are all campaigning for Joe Biden to replace the 45h president,” she said. “Together with Joe Biden, we will make America, America again.” Biden’s campaign announced its Nevada AAPI Leadership Council in late January, which has been tasked with mobilizing voters in the community ahead of the caucus on Saturday. One of the campaign’s council members is Fil-Am Kate Torres-Recto, a 28-year resident of Las Vegas and lo-

cal community leader. “We’ve been phone banking for the last two weeks to make sure people get out and vote in the caucus,” Torres-Recto told the Asian Journal. “We’ve seen how the AAPI vote is strong and has helped turn Nevada blue.” Torres-Recto said they had about three days to organize Tuesday’s event and invited over 400 guests. “Biden has the most experience out of any of the Democratic candidates,” she said. “He may not be the youngest, PAGE 5

february 20-26, 2020 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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Dateline USa

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 20-26, 2020

American woman caught with baby boy in sling bag nabbed for kidnapping by Consuelo

maRquez

Inquirer.net

thE American woman who was caught concealing a baby boy inside her sling bag at the Ninoy Aquino international Airport has been arrested for kidnapping, the National Bureau of investigation (NBi) said on Wednesday, February 19. in a press conference, NBi Director Dante gierran said NBi operatives served the arrest warrant issued by Pasay Regional trial Court (RtC) Branch 109 against Jennifer Erin talbot. NBi-international Airport investigation Division Chief Palmer Mallari said talbot was arrested Monday while she was attending the hearing at Regional trial Court (RtC) Branch 109 in Pasay City for her other cases that include Anti-trafficking in Persons Act and Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. “A hearing was held [Monday] on talbot’s case for Anti-trafficking in Persons Act and Republic Act 7610. During the hearing, the warrant was issued,” he said. Mallari said talbot was previ-

CHILD TRAFFICKING SUSPECT Jennifer Erin Talbot remains in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation following her arrest in September 2019. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes

ously arrested at NAiA in September 2019 authorities found a six-day-old boy inside her sling bag. talbot was taken under custody and charged for violation of Section 6 of the Anti-trafficking Persons Act and the Anti-Child Abuse Law as well as kidnapping. But talbot was granted temporary liberty after posting bail for

OFW REPATRIATION. Some 81 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Lebanon arrived via Gulf Airlines flight GF 154 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City on Tuesday, February 18. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will be providing assistance to the repatriated OFWs, including financial help and temporary accommodations while waiting for their trips back to their home provinces. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

the two cases – trafficking and child abuse. Mallari said they are already coordinating with the United States Embassy in Manila regarding talbot’s case. by Josef Ramos talbot was presented to ManilaTimes.net members of the media during Wednesday’s press briefing. She, Eight-division world chamhowever, refused to answer ques- pion Manny Pacquiao may face tions from the media saying she Ultimate Fighting Championship would first consult her lawyer. n (UFC) superstar Conor Mcgregor next year, according to business manager Arnold Vegafria. in a news conference organized by Pacquiao’s Special AsPerot’s vote in the AAPi commu- sistant Jayke Joson on tuesday at nity, it was roughly two thirds of the Romblon Room in Sofitel hothe vote. it’s literally a mirror im- tel, Vegafria explained to the meage now and growing and that’s dia that the new managerial deal because we’ve been investing of the Filipino champion with over the long haul and building Paradigm Sports Management those relationships and making (PSM) have no legal implications Manny Pacquiao (right) connects a solid hits to Lucas Matthysse during their world title fight the case. We are on your side on with other promotions. in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2018. Photo by Wendell Alinea/Manny Pacquiao Promotions “With a possible fight with the issues that matter most and tions.” people see that because look at (Conor) Mcgregor because they ous sponsors. he insisted also that the next Vegafria said the PSM can also what this president’s doing... he have the same company so defisaid ‘i’m going to cut Medicare, nitely there’s a big chance [that fight of the reigning World Box- work with other promotion as Medicaid and Social Security if they will fight]. Next year na yan ing Association (WBA) super co-promoter for Pacquiao’s fui’m re-elected.’ that’s terrible (that’s next year),” said Vegafria. welterweight champion would ture fight in any of their available boxers. “Who’s the best big mega be negotiated by PSM. for the community. the efforts “Senator Manny Pacquiao’s Asked if there’s any certain to dismantle the ranks of the un- bout? it’s either Mcgregor or insured among the AAPi popu- (Floyd) Mayweather is available former agreements do not legally amount of money paid to Paclations have decreased precipi- for the senator. if ever the fight bind him in such a way as to pre- quiao to sign with the PSM, Vegtously because of the [Affordable against Mayweather doesn’t hap- vent him from pursuing certain afria refused to reveal the details pen, at least we have another one fights with other promoters,” but assured that the senator Care Act]. AJ: Filipino Americans con- which is Mcgregor. So they are said Vegafria in a statement to made “a better deal.” Besides the fight, PSM will tinue to be one of the fastest- in the same company so there’s a the media. “the previous agreement has also manage Pacquiao’s entergrowing groups, especially in possibility that it will happen.” Vegafria agreed with US me- no impact on the ability of Para- tainment and business sides. California and Nevada. What Pacquiao did not attend the are ways they can get involved dia reports that the possible fight digm Sports to negotiate on bewith the DNC’s efforts on the between Pacquiao and Mcgregor half of Senator Manny Pacquiao news conference because of his could gain $250 million revenue going forward. Manny is now duty in the senate. he was repground? tP: We have an AAPi caucus... because of the popularity of both represented by Paradigm Sports resented by Joson, Vegafria and so working together with that fighters and the excitement of Management , who are actively legal adviser Atty. Brando Viercaucus is a remarkable way to the fight which can attract vari- negotiating his future fight op- nesto. n engage. We are reaching out to local caucuses of a similar nature that are being established by their state party because we’re trying to replicate at a local level what we’ve been doing in the national level. AJ: At [Wednesday night’s] debate, what are some issues voters will be looking out for? tP: i’d be stunned if we don’t discuss immigration here. i’d be C<>8C @DD@>I8K@FE `j X 9@> @JJL< k_\j\ [Xpj% D8EP `e fli Zfddle`kp E<<; stunned if the issue of health care pfli j\im`Z\j% K_\i\ Xi\ k_fljXe[j n_f dXp nXek kf \og\[`k\ k_\`i i\j`[\eZp fi doesn’t come up again because we’ve seen how much impact glijl\ ]lcc Z`k`q\ej_`g Ylk [feËk befn _fn kf Y\^`e Xe[ n_\i\ kf ^f% that has had in the run up to this election. i think those are two really important issues. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. n

Pacquiao-McGregor in 2021?

Q&A: DNC Chair Tom Perez expresses importance...

PAGE 1 that we were going to become a 57 state and territory party again, that we were going to organize early everywhere…and that we never take anyone for granted again. those are the promises we’ve delivered... i think about our investments in the AAPi community in Orange County, where we were part of a broader effort that helped make orange the new blue... here in Nevada, going to early vote sites and seeing that ballots are available in tagalog is a reflection of the changing face of Nevada. i’ve had the privilege on numerous occasions to break bread with leaders in the Filipino community. having ballots in tagalog is for me, it’s a statement: ‘You belong at the table. We want to make sure you are engaged.’ AJ: Going to the early voting sites [here in Vegas], I noticed it’s a paper ballot and everything’s low-tech. Talking to some people in the community they preferred that. Can you talk about Nevada’s process and this simpler approach? tP: the approach the party’s taking and what we’re supporting is to be as low-tech as humanly possible while still preserving efficiency. As you saw people had a paper ballot in three different languages, depending on your preference and it goes into a scanner. there’s no voter app, there’s no tabulation app. the iPad was used in early vote, simply to check people in and now we have a calculator that’s helping with the math. the reason we have a calculator is because one of the lessons we learned from iowa was requiring people to do their own math resulted in a lot of mistakes.

AJ: Leading up to the convention in July, Democrats have a few [candidate] options right now. But before there’s a nominee, what’s the DNC’s approach in unifying the party? tP: Our job is to make sure number one, that everybody gets a fair shake and number two, to make sure that every candidate running for president understands that while they want to win, it’s not about them. it’s about something bigger and every candidate has taken the pledge to support the winner and support them with enthusiasm. And then to make sure that voters understand that because i understand that people fall in love with one candidate. We had 25 candidates total run for president and all but one don’t make it to the mountaintop…i think people have an acute appreciation for the urgency of the moment and our unity will always be our greatest strength. AJ: Before Saturday, there are a slew of [election] events, especially in the AAPI community. Why does Las Vegas continue to be such a crucial part of the outreach? tP: Critical mass. the AAPi community here is growing by leaps and bounds and the level of engagement is really impressive and that is why we’ve been investing here…At least throughout my tenure, we have really ramped up our investment in the community [and] the Nevada Democratic Party is acutely aware of the opportunities that exist here in Nevada with the AAPi community. You know, what’s remarkable is when george herbert Walker Bush ran for president in 1992, dividing up his vote and Ross

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Former VP Biden makes pitch to Vegas AAPI... PAGE 3

but he can deliver and has a proven track record during his time as vice president. We can’t put a new person who is just learning the laws and how things are done.” the 21-member AAPi council also includes Fil-Ams Doris Bauer and Loni Andal, who are active in local community organizations. Andal, who was a long-time Republican until trump took office, said she changed her affiliation to a “proud Democrat” after “being so embarrassed by trump’s actions.” “the man’s got passion in that he cares about people,” Andal said of Biden in an in-

terview. “he couldn’t work side-by-side with Obama without having that family feeling and empathy for minorities and knowing that they count. As Biden said in his speech, this election is very important — not just for the Asian community, but for all minorities.” Biden supporters who also gave remarks at the event included former U.S. Ambassador to China gary Locke and Rep. Dina titus — who represents Nevada’s 1st District that includes key AAPi areas like Chinatown and Maryland Parkway which is home to several Filipino businesses. With attention placed on Las

Vegas this week, Democratic contenders have been courting the growing AAPi community. in addition to Biden, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren toured businesses in Chinatown on Sunday, while California tom Steyer had a roundtable discussion at a dim sum restaurant on tuesday afternoon. “Especially being from the Philippines, we never had the right to vote freely so that’s why i tell other Filipinos to vote. it’s the right we’ve been fighting for. We came here to have those rights. You can’t sit back and say ‘We’ve got a terrible president’ and not take any action. that’s not the American way,” Andal said. n

Trump ‘deserves to be reelected... PAGE 1 as, ‘thank you very much. We save a lot of money,’” the U.S. president said. Panelo pointed out Duterte would have reacted the same way if he was in trump’s shoes while musing that trump would have also ordered to end the agreement if he was the Philippines’ leader. “the president said that if President trump were a Filipino and the Philippine president, given his character and principled stand on a matter of national interest, he would have done exactly the same thing he had done, and if he (PRRD) were the U.S. president, he would have given the same reaction,” Panelo

said. the spokesman also reiterated that Duterte is firm on the country being self-reliant when it comes to defense and security. “the time to strengthen our defense capabilities has come. Reliance on another country to defend our motherland from whoever desires to threaten our territorial integrity as well as to assault our sovereignty will only further weaken and stagnate our already limited resources,” he said. “As the president says in rationalizing why we have to stand alone and depending on our own resources in fighting the enemies of the state: ‘if not now, when ?’” he added.

PH support for Trump Aside from Duterte, Filipinos largely also expressed support for trump, according to a Pew Research Center survey released last month. Results from the nonpartisan fact tank’s survey found that 77% of Filipinos said they are confident that trump would do the “right thing” concerning world affairs, while 19% believed otherwise. the Philippines showed the most positive review for the U.S. president among 32 other countries surveyed. the Pew survey released in January was conducted across 33 countries from May 18 to October 2, 2019 using face-toface interviews among 36,923 respondents. n

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

More fun in the Philippines AFTER the disruptions caused by Taal Volcano’s phreatic explosion last month, the country’s travel industry was hit by a second and worse whammy: the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19. Players in the travel and tourism industry estimate their losses to reach P20 billion if the disruptions last until March. At this point, however, it looks like the contagion is bound to persist way beyond the first quarter of the year. COVID-19 continues to spread in other countries and the World Health Organization is advising governments to brace for local transmission of the virus that has killed 1,380 people mainly in China as of Friday, February 14, and infected nearly 50,000 others. With international travel plans on hold in many countries, tourism-related businesses and downstream enterprises in the Philippines are struggling. Industry players warn that if the crisis persists past midyear, smaller enterprises may be forced to close shop, putting people out of jobs. People can help prevent such a disaster by boosting domestic tourism. Even as large tour-

FEATURES

ism-related gatherings have been canceled, people can still explore domestic travel destinations, enjoy the sights, eat in restaurants and buy local products. There are interesting places to explore right in Metro Manila. Contributing to domestic tourism does not mean ignoring the threat posed by COVID-19. Proper hygiene such as regular hand washing as well as cough etiquette must be observed. Health officials have stressed that airborne transmission of the virus has not been reported. As protection against droplet transmission, ordinary face masks, tissue paper, handkerchiefs and alcohol must be on hand in case a mild irritation induces sneezing or coughing. People who are immunocompromised should take extra precautions. The COVID-19 scare is likely to affect tourism during the country’s peak travel season – summer particularly Holy Week. Those who normally spend the season overseas can instead plan trips within the country. It will help an ailing industry, and it could show how it’s truly more fun in the Philippines. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS GAG ORDER. This is what the Office of the Solicitor General has asked the Supreme Court the Philippines to issue against ABS-CBN Corp. after Sol. Gen Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition to forfeit the legislative franchises of the corporation and its subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. The gag order is intended to silence ABS-CBN and to infringe upon the freedom of speech and expression of its people, asking the highest court in a very urgent motion, “to prohibit “parties and persons acting on their [network’s] behalf” from releasing statements surrounding the quo warranto petition filed by OSG to invalidate its license. The quo warrants were filed by Calida despite having 11 bills yet to be heard in Congress, deemed not a priority by House Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano, a staunch supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte. This would have been the venue to hear all arguments for and against the issuance of ABSCBN’s franchise to continue operating after the expiration date of March 30, 2020. This is pursuant to the due process as required by law. But alas! Calida needed to go to the Supreme Court, with its justices mostly appointed by Duterte to get ahead of the decision of Congress to either renew the franchise or shutdown the 65year-old broadcasting company.

Balance of power in the Philippines tested: Will democracy thrive as intended by the Constitution in Duterte’s vow to shut down ABS-CBN? The president himself openly said many times he would do everything to deny ABS-CBN the license to continue operating as a broadcasting company. He had been accusing the network of being biased against him for reporting news and airing documentaries and commentaries critical of him, his policies and programs. Citing the need for due process as provided for by the law, ABSCBN said, “The Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Executive Branch have assured the public that our franchise will be allowed to go through the proper renewal process in a fair manner. To that end, the filing of the quo warranto case is ill-timed given that Congress has already resumed its session.” Senators asserted on Tuesday, February 18, “the authority of Congress to grant or revoke legislative franchises as the government’s top lawyer asked the Supreme Court to silence ABS-CBN and other parties concerned in the quo warranto petition it filed against the broadcasting firm,” as cited the Philippine Daily Inquirer. As Rappler reported. Calida accused ABS-CBN of: • Violating foreign ownership restrictions of the constitution through the use of Philippine Deposit Receipts or PDRs “like Rappler.” • Engaging in “highly abusive practices benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers”

WITH Duterte loyalists in the Senate now distancing themselves from a move to question at the Supreme Court the termination of the Phl-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement, the petition could arrive at the SC with Senate President Vicente Sotto and opposition solons as its pallbearers. President Duterte has to tough it out with his terminating the VFA without Senate concurrence ‚ even if he has to be consistently wrong — to protect his earlier unilateral withdrawal from the International Criminal Court probing into his brutal war on illegal drugs. The legal challenge on his VFA action started out last week as a bipartisan reaction of Sotto and other lawmakers to Duterte’s serving on Feb. 11 a notice of termination on the 20year-old VFA without the advice and consent of the Senate. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said he would join Sotto and others in ques-

• Launching products ABSCBN TV Plus, KBO Channel, allegedly without the necessary permits ABS-CBN responded through a statement: These allegations cited by the Office of the Solicitor General in his press statement are without merit. ABS-CBN complies with all pertinent laws governing its franchise and has secured all necessary government and regulatory approvals for its business operations. (1) All our broadcast offerings, including KBO, have received the necessary government and regulatory approvals and are not prohibited by our franchise. (2) ABS-CBN Holdings’ Philippine Deposit Receipts or PDRs were evaluated and approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange prior to its public offering. These are the same instruments used by other broadcast companies to raise capital for the improvement of services. (3) The ownership of ABS-CBN in ABS-CBN Convergence was undertaken under the same law and structures that have been utilized by other telecommunications companies. These are transfers that are approved under the Public Telecommunications Policy Act and are fully compliant with law. We reiterate that everything we do is in accordance with the law. We did not violate the law. This case appears to be an attempt to

deprive Filipinos of the services of ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN further explained in a report by Rappler: “These are the same instruments used by other broadcast companies to raise capital for the improvement of services,” ABSCBN said. “The capital we have raised from the PDRs has enabled us to provide services to nearly 90% of the Philippines and to our OFW’s all over the world.” The network also insisted that its broadcast offerings like KBO received necessary government and regulatory approvals and are not prohibited by the franchise. ABS-CBN also defended its ownership of ABS-CBN Convergence, saying that it was undertaken under the same law and structures that have been utilized by other telecommunications companies. Business entities, coalitions of journalists in the Philippines and around the world, human rights advocates, media employees and personalities from other networks and media organizations, the regulatory body the Kapisanan ng mag Broadcaster sa Pilipinas, and ordinary citizens have thrown their support for ABSCBN to protect press freedom. And how will the offer of Duterte to ABS-CBN factor in looking at the big picture, especially in light of the need for a free and independent press in a democracy as protected by the Constitution, the fourth estate and watchdog of the government?

Solicitor General Jose Calida files a quo warranto petition in the Supreme Court last February 10, seeking to forfeit the legislative franchises of ABS-CBN Corp. and its subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence Inc. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

“Kung magtulong kayo diyan sa federal system campaign at gawain ninyong slogan also for the unity and to preserve the republic, makipag-areglo ako (If you can help with the federal system campaign and you make a slogan also for unity and to preserve the republic, I’ll make amends with you),” Duterte was quoted by a Rappler report during the PDP-Laban Christmas Benefit Dinner on Wednesday night, December 13, 2019. As the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines states, “Section 4. No law shall be passed abridging the

freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.” FIGHT FOR DUE PROCESS. Protect press freedom! *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

Stand on VFA, ICC must be consistent

Postscript

FEDERICO D. PASCUAL JR.

Philstar.com photo

tioning before the high court the President’s move that they said violates the Constitution and undermines national security. “This will be a bipartisan move to assert the Senate’s role in foreign affairs,” Drilon said. “While the President is the chief architect of foreign policy, the Constitution is clear that such a very critical role is shared with Congress, particularly the Senate.” He said Sotto has told him that he was preparing the petition which revolves around the Senate’s role in concurring in the President’s entering into treaties and international agreements and in abrogating them. Drilon said: “The Supreme Court should rule on this issue once and for all. We cannot continue putting the fate of critical treaties such as the VFA, whose termination has far-reaching consequences, in the hands of one man. “If treaties and international agreements that the President entered into cannot be valid without the approval of the Senate, the termination of, or with-

drawal from, the same should only be effective with the concurrence of the Senate.” These are relevant sections of the Constitution on foreign policy, particularly treaty-making: • Article VII (Executive Department): Section 21. No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate. • Article XVIII (Transitory Provisions): Section 4. All existing treaties or international agreements which have not been ratified shall not be renewed or extended without the concurrence of at least twothirds of all the Members of the Senate. • Section 25. After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America concerning military bases, foreign military bases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate… and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.”

Drilon said that once concurred in by the Senate, a treaty or an international agreement becomes part of the law of the land. Hence, he added, a treaty may not be undone without that shared power that had put it into effect. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, committee chair on national defense and security, noted that something is amiss when the Constitution requires a two-thirds Senate vote to ratify a treaty yet its abrogation is just left to the President. The VFA, although an executive agreement, was concurred in by the Senate. The same issue of Senate concurrence was raised in 2018 when Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the International Criminal Court as it prepared to look into alleged crimes against humanity in the country during the Duterte regime. Senators Sotto, Drilon and Lacson authored Senate Resolution 312 adopted on Feb. 10 urging Duterte to reconsider his VFA termination notice while the chamber studies the options and opportunities open to the government. The resolution was carried

with only Sen. Ronald dela Rosa abstaining. The cancellation of the US visa of the senator, former chief of the national police leading the administration’s war on drugs, had been cited as the reason for Duterte’s terminating the VFA. But when the resolution emerged as a possible problem for Malacañang, some senators earlier marked as having voted for it stood to change their Yes vote: Pia Cayetano, Bong Go, Imee Marcos, Bong Revilla, Francis Tolentino and Cynthia Villar. We take that as a hint that Duterte would stick to the VFA’s termination even after he was embarrassed by President Trump’s nonchalantly remarking that its abrogation was “fine” and might even save millions for American taxpayers. The President’s abrogating international agreements that were adopted with Senate concurrence was also an issue in 2018, that time over Duterte’s withdrawing the country from the ICC. Drilon and senators Francis Pangilinan, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros, and then sena-

tors Bam Aquino and Sonny Trillanes asked the SC to invalidate the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC for having been done without Senate concurrence. No ruling has been handed down. The SC’s invalidating Duterte’s unilateral VFA termination must be consistent with its action on the earlier ICC case where Duterte is the central figure, the accused. This could be another reason why he has to insist that his abrogating VFA was valid. Drilon said that once the SC recognizes the Senate as a necessary partner of the President in entering into and exiting from international agreements, it follows that Duterte’s withdrawal from the ICC without Senate concurrence was invalid. That could potentially open Duterte to further investigation by the international body – an unacceptable conclusion of his turbulent six-year term ending in 2022. * * * NOTA BENE: All Postscripts can be accessed at manilamail.com. Follow author on Twitter as @FDPascual. Email feedback to dikpascual@gmail.com.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PVFAhiliPPines termination will not affect PH military — AFP chief by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States will not affect the country’s military efforts, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) head. “I would like everybody to know this is the decision of the president and I want everybody to know how it will affect us, it will not affect us, instead it will make us self-reliant,” AFP chief Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. told officers and soldiers during his first visit to Zamboanga City as as military chief. While Santos admitted that once the VFA is officially terminated, there will be anticipated gaps In this photo taken February 18, former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV speaks with reporters after he posted bail on the conspiracy to commit in the training of personnel and sedition charge filed against him before Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 138. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas supply of equipment. However, he said that the Philippines’ other

allies like Australia can fill them through the Status of the Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA). Santos also called for the approval of the SOVFA as it would allow Australian forces to hold joint exercises with Filipino soldiers. “We need that. Interoperability with our Asian countries like South Korea which we have already an agreement and we will further the agreement with the SOVFA for exercises,” he said. Santos said that the country could sustain itself without the VFA and will continue its longstanding relationship with the U.S military. “And with our new equipment, I think we could defend our country. We could live without it (VFA). The modernization will push through together with other programs and enhancing our or-

ganization,” he said. A military official, who asked not to be named, shared Santos’ sentiments. “Well, we could not deny that they have been helping us in our various security efforts, particularly in our campaign against the local terrorist groups, like the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangasamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). They complement our ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) and technical capabilities,” the official told the Philippine Star. “They (U.S.) have been supporting us. The more the merrier, so they say. But it does not mean we cannot survive with their pullout. We can continue to survive, despite the reduction on technical capabilities and other support systems to include medical evacuation,” he added. n

Trillanes says he declined political asylum Recto: Complaints vs. ABS-CBN not ‘fatally despite mounting number of cases defective’ to warrant cancellation of franchise MANILA — Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said on Wednesday, February 19, that he turned down offers for political asylum amid the increasing number of legal suits he is facing since the start of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. On ANC’s “Early Edition” on Wednesday morning, Trillanes said he received at least two offers for political asylum in Europe but declined them. “I respectfully declined the offer because we cannot abandon this battle especially now...that we feel that we’re actually winning,” he added. According to Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution,” although the right to asylum does not cover those facing prosecution “genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.” According to the UN High

Commissioner for Refugees, most asylum seekers in 2018—around 341,800—were from Venezuela, where a political crisis is still unfolding. Trillanes arrived in Manila on Monday, February 17. from engagements abroad and was met with an arrest warrant. A court had ordered his arrest this time for a conspiracy to commit sedition charge over his supposed participation in the production of the “Ang Totoong Narcolist,” a video series alleging President Rodrigo Duterte, his family and allies have drug links. Active cases, pending investigations This is the latest legal suit the former lawmaker and vocal Duterte critic is facing. He also faces a revived rebellion case over his participation in the 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege, inciting to sedition cases over his remarks against Duterte, a grave threat case filed by a Duterte ally and libel cases in Davao filed by members of the Duterte family.

He is also named as a respondent in a kidnapping complaint that is awaiting resolution at the Department of Justice. Trillanes however said that he declined the offer for a political asylum from two European countries he refused to identify. He said he feels that they are actually “winning” as public perception are changing against Duterte, this despite satisfaction rating of the president hitting record high at 82% in December 2019. Trillanes said he believes that the polls are “compromised or has certain sampling errors that distort the results.” He added that he met a lot of people who were once supporters of the president but are now criticizing him. He added he and his supporters have conducted “our own internal surveys and his numbers are declining.” “These may be anecdotal but I can feel it on the ground,” he also said. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar. com)

PH gov’t partially lifts travel ban to HK, Macau by catheRine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

THOUSANDS of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Hong Kong and Macau can now return to their jobs after the government lifted partially the travel restrictions it earlier imposed on visitors from China’s special administrative regions as a protective measure against the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said OFWs returning for work in Hong Kong and Macau are exempted from the travel ban. “Secretary Duque confirmed that the inter-agency task force for the management of emerging infectious disease has decided to lift the travel ban of overseas workers going to Macau and Hong Kong. And, according to him, those OFWs going back would have to make a written declaration that they know the risk of going back to their places of work,” Panelo said in an interview, referring

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided assistance to the non-departing government due to the travel ban imposed by the government. ManilaTimes.net photo by Joan Arellano

to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. “Those coming back from Macau and Hong Kong, the families of Filipinos who are there, can come back, and those having permanent resident [visas]…as well as the diplomatic corps and families,” he added. Thousands of OFWs bound for Hong Kong and Macau were left

stranded in the Philippines after President Rodrigo Duterte on February 2 imposed a travel ban to China and its special administrative regions. There are over 210,000 Filipinos working in Hong Kong and 32,000 OFWs in Macau. On Friday, February 14, the Philippine government lifted the travel ban on Taiwan. n

BuCor legal chief linked to GCTA controversy gunned down by KRistine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Lawyer Frederic Santos, the suspended legal chief of the Bureau of Corrections, was gunned down by unidentified shooters on Wednesday afternoon, February 19. A police report said that Santos was on board a Toyota Hilux pickup truck and was about to fetch his daughter in Muntinlupa City when he was shot at. “Upon reaching the place of incident, suddenly two unidentified malefactors appeared and shot the victim [point blank],” the report read. The suspects fled to unknown direction. Santos was shot to the head and was declared dead by the Muntinlupa Rescue Team. Santos was one of the 27 BuCor officials who was ordered suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman as it looked into the “questionable” release of 1,914 heinous crime convicts under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law. He also served as one of the resource persons at the Senate inquiry into the GCTA law. Testimony on BuCor corruption In one of the hearings, Sen. Panfilo Lacson asked the resource persons on whether there is cor-

In this August 2019 photo, Bureau of Corrections legal office chief Frederic Santos explains why they cannot identify the beneficiaries of good conduct time allowance, in a press conference at the BuCor. Philstar.com photo by Russell Palma

ruption at the bureau. Santos admitted that there is “petty corruption” inside the New Bilibid Prison. He said that a “keeper,” whose duty involves monitoring inmates, may sometimes receive P500P1,000 for covering up the use of mobile phone or drinking alcohol inside the penitentiary. Deaths related to GCTA? in the killing of former Rep. Edgar Mendoza (Batangas), also a practicing lawyer, whose body was found charred in a vehicle in Laguna. A source told The STAR that the family of one of Mendoza’s clients gave the slain lawyer a “huge amount of money” for his release through the controversial law.

Police investigators said that Mendoza was killed upon the order of Sherwin Sanchez, a Bilibid inmate. Last August 28, Ruperto Ruperto Traya Jr., Chief Administrative Officer 3 of the BuCor, was shot to death as he alighted his car. At the time of his death, the 53-year-old BuCor official was the second highest official at the agency’s records office. The office processed documents for the release of convicted murdererrapist Antonio Sanchez and other high-profile convicts. News of Sanchez’s possible release led to a public outcry that in turn prompted the Senate hearings.

by Ritchel

Mendiola

AJPress

PHILIPPINE Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday, February 19, expressed his support for extending the operation of network giant ABS-CBN, saying that the allegations against it are not “fatally defective” to cancel the franchise. “I’m in favor of extending the franchise of [ABS-CBN],” he said. “And I think none of these complaints are fatally defective that it would warrant not to extend the franchise. Insofar as the complaints filed, right? ‘Yung (The) quo warranto (petition),” he added. Solicitor General Jose Calida on February 10 filed a petition before the Supreme Court for the cancellation of ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise, alleging that the TV network reportedly violated rules set by Congress. Calida accused the network of allowing foreigners to invest in its ownership, which violates Article XVI Section 11 of the Constitution that limits ownership and management of mass media only to Filipino citizens. His petition also alleged that

the network was “abusing the privilege” given by the State when it operated a pay-per-view channel (KBO Channel) on its ABS-CBN TV Plus cable product without a permit from the National Telecommunications Commission. “We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years,” the solicitor general said in a statement. ABS-CBN, for its part, maintained that it has complied with all the laws governing its franchise and secured all government and regulatory approvals for its operations. President Rodrigo Duterte, as well as House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, have also accused the media network of alleged unfair election coverage in 2010 and 2016. However, when asked about these allegations, Recto said: “I don’t know about siding with politicians. I’ll put it this way. Here in the Senate, I think all of us natamaan na rin ng (got hit by) ABS-CBN, wala naman dito

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto Inquirer.net photo

palagay ko hindi natamaan din (nobody here I think was spared), but I don’t think that’s fatally defective on their franchise, or for any other media network.” “Trabaho ninyo ‘yan eh (That’s your job). You’re the fourth estate,” he added. n

feBruary 20-26, 2020 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEBRUARy 20-26, 2020

Palace to probe ‘pastillas’ scam by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

Malacañang on Tuesday, February 18, vowed to look into the reported “pastillas” moneymaking scheme practiced by some Immigration personnel to facilitate the entry of chinese nationals hired by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POgOs). Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said the government would “act” on any complaint in relation to the alleged scheme that gives chinese citizens easy entry for a fee. “any violation, any transgression, any anomaly, the Palace frowns on it and will act on it if there are complaints formally filed before its office,” he told reporters. “any complaint should be filed. Because, unless you file a formal complaint, we will never know that there’s an anomaly. and even if these are being subject of talks in media, in columns, unless there is a complaint filed, we will never know. You have to submit proof so that we can do something about it,” he added.

Sen. ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros on Monday revealed during a Senate hearing that chinese pay P10,000 as “service fee” or grease money for being escorted by immigration personnel when they enter the Philippines. She dubbed the escort service as the pastillas scheme because the money paid to immigration personnel were rolled inside a bond paper, much like the wrapper for the milk candy. Panelo assured the public that the Duterte administration would not turn a blind eye on the scam. “The record of this administration speaks for itself. It never turns a blind eye on anything that concerns governance,” he said. “Right now, there is only an allegation. If there is an allegation, then, that must be proven,” Panelo added. Immigration commissioner Jaime Morente said he had ordered an investigation of the alleged money-making modus. Morente created a fact-finding panel that will submit a report within 15 days. Immigration spokesman Dana Sandoval on Tuesday said Mor-

ente asked the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the national Bureau of Investigation (nBI) to help in the probe. “Management sought [the] help of DoJ and nBI to uncover possible external links as mentioned also during the Senate hearing, so appropriate charges may be filed against them,” she told The Manila Times. “The probe centers on naIa, which is the subject of the exposé of Sen. [Risa] Hontiveros, but of course management will be looking at the possibility of this being replicated in other ports. So all holes may be plugged and this schemes are put to an end,” she added, referring to the ninoy aquino Internation airport. according to Sandoval, the probe panel has already identified the immigration officials involved but she declined to name names. “For prudence I am unable to release the names of those relieved, as they were removed from their posts due to command responsibility. It might be best to wait for the results of the investigation of the fact finding committee,” she said. n

by Darwin

PesCo ManilaTimes.net

lTcOl. Jovie Espenido blamed “failure of intelligence” as the reason behind his inclusion in the “drug list,” as Malacañang backed his statement, saying that he could have been a “victim.” Espenido said unidentified influential people with connections to high-ranking officials in the Philippine national Police (PnP) might have been responsible for the list that the PnP “has not processed properly.” He said he was surprised that he was among the 357 policemen and other high value targets as he denied his involvement in illegal drugs and hoped that he would be cleared after a one-month validation process by the PnP. local government Secretary Eduardo año said on Monday that Espenido’s record in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, especially in Ozamis city where he led the anti-illegal drug operation that resulted in the death of Ozamiz city mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, a known drug lord, and 14 others in 2017, should be a huge factor during the validation. another mayor, Rolando Espinosa, was also killed during Espenido’s stint as chief of police of albuera town in leyte. But año and PnP chief archie Francisco gamboa clarified they were not clearing the name of Espenido just yet and assured the public that everyone on the list would be validated within a month. Of the 357 policemen, 15 have availed of optional early retirement while 43 were marked on absence Without Official leave. ‘Intelligence gathering flaws’ Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said it was “not unexpected that there may be some flaws in intelligence gathering.” “That happens. Sometimes they’re even intentional. You’re being fed with the wrong info coming from those who are against a particular officer,” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Ferbaury 18. asked if he considered Espenido as being singled out by his colleagues, Panelo said, “could be. Because the President says it’s black propaganda as far as he’s concerned so victim nga siya (he really is a victim).”

LtCol. Jovie Espenido ManilaTimes.net photo

Panelo said he still considered Duterte’s drug watchlist “credible” despite striking out several police officers. “Eh kung natanggal mo na ‘yung mga ‘di dapat isama e ‘di credible. after all, trabaho rin nila mag-gather ng intelligence. But siyempre may nakakalusot na mali (If you remove those who shouldn’t be included, then it’s credible. After all, it’s also their job to gather intelligence. But of course, some mistakes happen),” he said. Panelo also believed that Espenido’s contribution to the government’s war on drugs has affected several “ninja cops” or police officers who resell drugs seized in anti-drugs operations. “Definitely marami talaga siyang nasagasaan kaya napaginitan ng mga involved (Definitely he hurt a lot of people that’s why there seems to be a conspiracy among those involved),” he said. Dela Rosa’s defense Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa joined the Palace in defending Espenido, saying he could vouch for his integrity. The senator, chairman of the Senate committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, is confident that Espenido would be able to clear his name. “I’m sure maki-clear ‘yan siya (he will be cleared). Pero ako, I can vouch for him (But as for me, I can vouch for him),” dela Rosa said in a chance interview. “Matagal lang napabayaan ang information na ‘yan, hindi na-process, hindi na validate, kaya ito ngayon iba-validate ‘yan para (That information [against him] had been neglected, not processed, not validated [immediately] that was why this will

Duterte’s white wristband symbol of peace – Palace by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDEnT Rodrigo Duterte is wearing a white wristband to show his support for peace in the country, Malacañang said on Tuesday, February 18 as it allayed concerns about the chief Executive’s health. Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte’s wristband was a peace symbol, not medical plaster as some alleged. “That’s more symbolical of his wanting peace in the Philippines. It’s not a medical plaster,” Panelo said, noting that the President’s wristband was similar to that worn by former president Joseph Estrada during his term. “It’s a symbol of peace. ‘Di ba gusto niya palaging magkaroon ng kapayapaan dito sa ating bansa (He always wants peace in the country). That’s why he goes out of his way to have peace with the communist rebels, with the Muslim rebels. He doesn’t want to shed blood,” he added. The Palace official assured the

public that the President would inform the nation if he has health problems. “The President will tell us if he is not feeling well. Wala ngang tinatago ‘di ba? lahat sinasabi niya sa atin (He is not hiding anything. He tells us everything),” Panelo said. The president wore the white wristband on his right arm during the inauguration of the Sangley airport in cavite on Saturday. Duterte’s health has been the subject of much speculation, but the chief Executive has repeatedly downplayed such concerns. last year, he had cut short his visit to Japan and returned to Manila after he complained of “unbearable pain in his spinal column” following his motorcycle accident. The president had said he has myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease. He also has Berguer’s disease, a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs. n

BOOK LAUNCH. Senator Nancy Binay launches her second book, “Charcoal Confessions: 46 Home-Brewed Tips vs. Online Bullying”, at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in Pasay City on Monday, February 17. Binay hopes that people will learn a thing or two from her experience with cyberbullying with her newest book. The first book was “Make Love Not War”, which was a collaboration with social media/parody celebrity Senyora Santibanez. Photo courtesy of the office of Senator Binay

House OKs full foreign ownershp in power, transport, communications

ManIla — The House of Representatives approved on Tuesday, February 18. the measure amending the 84-year-old Public Service act to allow full foreign ownership in the public service sector including the transportation, communication and power industries. The House plenary voted to pass on second reading House Bill 78, which delineated “public service” from “public utility” that is covered by the 40-percent limit on foreign ownership set by the 1987 constitution. The measure be validated now so that) he will limits the coverage of public utilibe taken off the list if it will turn ties to distribution of electricity, out negative” he said. transmission of electricity, water Dela Rosa added, “Pero kung pipeline distribution system and ma-prove na positive e panana- sewerage pipeline system. gutan niya ‘yan (But if it will be On the other hand, HB 78 defines proven positive, well, he must public service to cover “common face the consequences).” n carrier, railroad, street railway,

Espenido: Failed intel behind drug list

subway motor vehicle, ice refrigeration plant, irrigation system, marine railways, wire or wireless communications systems; wire or wireless broadcasting stations; freight or carrier services, steam boats ferries and war craft engaged in the transportation of passengers or freight, gas, electric light, heat and power water supply and power, petroleum and sewerage system, among others.” Deputy Speaker Sharon garin of aambis-Owa party-list, principal sponsor of the measure, explained that HB 78 would bring in more foreign investors that would boost competition in the public service sector in the local market. “competition and foreign investment are inhibited because limitations that should only apply to the operation of a public utility are

applied to all public services,” she explained. “This situation is caused by the ambiguity in the definition of public utility that is often used interchangeably with public service under commonwealth act no. 146. The key to fixing this problem is to develop a clear statutory definition of public utility.” The economist-lawmaker further revealed that the enactment of the proposed law would eventually benefit consumers. “This legislative reform will significantly contribute to increasing competition, as well as protecting the public interest. More competition among providers would result in lower prices and improved quality of basic services, creating a more competitive economy towards a better quality of life for all,” garin added. (Edu Punay/Philstar.com)

10

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VEGAS&STYLE Journal

Filip+Inna and Zacarias 1925: How Filipina designers defy fast fashion demands and keep traditional craftsmanship alive by AJPress

sense of the craftsmanship that is around the Philippines because the diversity of our culture is just FOR many Filipinos globally, really filled with sophisticated one way to proudly show their embroidery and patterns and even heritage is by wearing it on their the colors,” Cabili explained. sleeves, literally. One of the important conThis is the mission of Pinay siderations is seeing how they designers like Lenora “Len” Luisa live, how much work it takes to Cabili, who has been promoting deliver products, and what kinds Philippine culture through her of resources they have access to. international women’s clothing For example, the Tagakaolo tribe brand Filip+Inna. she has worked with requires a She was recently in San Fransix-hour hike and then two-hour cisco where her line was among drive down to the nearest center two Pinay-owned brands featured in order to send out or pick up a at the Workshop Residence, a package. showroom that features an ar“We make sure we remain true ray of crafts and furniture. She to the purpose: that it’s all about also held a trunk show in Los the artisans in the Philippines Angeles last year, which was and giving them an opportunity,” visited and well-received by Filishe said. pino Americans and other design Filip+Inna’s latest spring/summer collection features patterned pieces using predominantly indigo, orange, and crimson hues. The individual pieces, which are made by the various tribes, can be paired together, such as the T’boli Bomber Jacket & Mangyan Cigarette Pants. “Although the colors I use are contemporary, when you look at the traditional garments, it’s just really amazing how the handiwork has a soul to it because they have spent time working on it. When we work with artisans, we give them free rein on when to finish it,” she said, adding that the female artisans work at home and are able to take care of their family while doing so. Though the artisans have more flexibility to fulfill orders, Filip+Inna has a system where some are given priority, especially when it’s an international order or if there is a trunk show coming up, Cabili said. This also makes for more conFilip+Inna not only sells clothes, but also offers artisan-made earrings, embroidered clutches, necklaces and scarves. AJPress photos by Joseph L. Peralta scious products that are not aficionados. Cabili, who grew up in Iligan City, Mindanao, said Filip+Inna is based on growing up near and learning about the indigenous groups and dancing for the Bayanihan Dance Company. “Having that background and my love for fashion, I thought of integrating both,” she told the Asian Journal. “Also, I was well aware of the diversity of our culture and so I really wanted to make something different, something that would showcase the artisans around the Philippines.” She added, “When I was thinking of a brand name, I didn’t want it eponymous and I wanted something that would point back to the Philippines. So I started with the most obvious that I’m Filipina and

just played around with the word and there’s a plus sign.” In 2008, she began working with the T’boli tribe near Lake Sebu in South Cotabato and sourced weaves from the artisans. Her work with the T’bolis led where she is now, working with 450 artisans from over a dozen tribes across the country, from the Mangyans to the Ifugao. Immersing herself in their traditions and lifestyles are how she’s been able to build relationships with these various tribes. “We take inspiration from traditional patterns and we create new patterns out of [them]. But we limit ourselves to something that is familiar to each group. We really want people to have a

Rita Nazareno, creative director of Zacarias 1925, poses in front of some of her bags, including the ammunition collection which is her collaboration with Bay Area graphic designer Chris Sumida. AJPress photos by Joseph L. Peralta

Len Cabili of Filip+Inna shows off the beadwork done by the Tagakaolo tribe in a traditional blouse.

swiftly made. “We’re really doing things differently because I think in the fashion industry now it’s all about like fast fashion. Within a day, you can make something and sell it. But for us our investment is actually with the artisans for a long period of time,” she said, saying that the time also allows for a story to be told behind the brand and its pieces. Ironically for Filip+Inna, spreading awareness of Philippine culture and handiwork started with promoting the brand abroad because Cabili said the local market was “not ready for it”

because buying high-end Filipino designs was not as popular. In 2009, she reached out to Indagare, a membership-based luxury travel company that reviewed her pieces and invited her to a trunk show in Southampton, New York. “I started doing trunk shows with them and I thought it was really a great way to test the market and it was [because] they’re very discerning here [in the U.S.] So it really forced us to create good quality products,” she said, adding “I like the whole idea of being able to talk about the brand, meet PAGE 13

International shows line up for Joshua seizes opportunity to Marcelito following ‘AGT’ victory grow without a love interest by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

DESPITE not getting the top prize in the recently concluded “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” Marcelito Pomoy remained positive as he has lots of projects in the coming months because of his exposure in the show. In an interview with ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe, Marcelito said he is set to do shows in Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Canada, Australia, and the United States in the coming months. “Sa ngayon kasi, kahit third place ako, makatungtong ka lang sa ‘America’s Got Talent,’ malaking factor na sa ‘yo ‘yan, e, kasi all over the world ang nakakakilala sa ‘yo. Noong audition ko pa lang, ang daming nag-inquire sa akin, puro international, kaya ang saya ko na,” Marcelito said. “Iyong nakapunta ako doon, nakapag-perform ako doon, at namangha sa akin ang mga tao doon, hindi lang Pilipino. Akala ko pang-Pilipinas lang ako. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘Hindi pala, panginternational pala ako!’” Marcelito admitted that he

by Marinel

JOSHUA Garcia said that while he acknowledges the good things that being part of a love team has done for his acting career, he still preferred working with different leading ladies because “I’m able to adapt to their good work ethics.” “There are actors who see love teams as a way to further their careers, I respect that. For me, I’m OK working on my own. The more people I get to work with, the better. I learn from all of them. I want to be able to observe how they are “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” third runner-up Marcelito Pomoy. at work and, maybe, copy their Photo courtesy of NBC good practices,” Joshua told Inquirer Entertainment shortly after He also thanked the judges of felt bad knowing he only placed he attended the story conference of fourth in the reality talent compe- the show as well as the production Joshua Garcia Photo from Instagram/@garciajoshuae his next big-screen project. staff for giving him the chance to tition, but he accepted his fate. It would appear that Joshua has The film, “Ang Mga Kaibigan fident to speak in English.” “Kung anuman ang tinadhana showcase his talent around the ni Mama Susan,” is a movie adJoshua and Julia, collectively already recovered from his highly sa akin, siyempre kailangan mo globe. aptation of Bob Ong’s mystery known as “JoshLia,” broke up publicized split with Julia because “Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako tanggapin. Kahit sino namang novel with the same title. It will be in June 2019. Both denied that he can now joke about his love life, contestant, ‘pag tinawag kang sa kanila. Sa nangyari sa akin directed by Chito Roño for Regal a third party had caused their or the lack of it. The 22-year-old third place or fourth place, siy- ngayon, iba ang feedback ng tao, Entertainment. breakup. They last worked to- actor also said he was open to the empre nakakasama rin ng loob. e. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, “When I work solo, I become gether on the zombie flick, “Block idea of finding a new love. Sa akin, okay lang, kasi siyempre, kung hindi dahil sa ‘America’s Got “Right now, I’m busy with more open to other opportunities Z.” Joshua was then paired with malaking (advantage) sa akin kasi Talent,’ wala ako sa kinalalagyan at work. For example, I enjoyed Janella in the now-defunct ABS- work. That’s much better than not nakilala ako all over the world,” ko ngayon na nakilala sa buong working with Jea (Janella Salvador CBN drama series, “The Killer doing anything at all. My love life mundo,” he said. he said. is taking the back seat, but I really in ‘The Killer Bride’),” he pointed Bride.” out. “I noticed that Jea never Joshua will have no leading lady can’t say for how long. I’m open complained about whatever it in “Mama Susan.” He admitted to whoever comes my way. I won’t was that’s happening on the set. that “it feels different. Before, the be able to predict what’s going to I would be ashamed whenever I goal had been to create chemistry happen in the future,” said Joshua, feel the urge to complain about with my partner. Now, I’d have to who will also be working on the something. She has taught me to do that with costar-friends and upcoming Star Cinema-produced be more patient and understand- with Mama Susan (to be played projects, “Kiss to the Heart” and ing of the situation of others. With by Angie Ferro). Here, I don’t “Boys Don’t Cry” (an iWant proJulia (Barretto, his former partner have anyone to say ‘I love you’ to,” duction). He added: “I’m OK with being onscreen and off), I felt more con- Joshua said, laughing. friends with Jea. At least, friendship is forever.” Joshua is also busy with parkour training and target shooting for the iWant project he would be doing with Louise Abuel. “Only two days ago, I got into an accident while I was training. I hit my face with my knee as I Pilita Corrales GMA photo was falling down. I don’t mind it. I realize that you need pain in order who choose to be unkind to one highly esteemed veteran singer to to learn. Ouch! ’Di hugot ’yon!” he say that. But shouldn’t Pilita also another. said, laughing. Solis also would not have encourage Janine and her other “Seriously, I don’t mind the minded had the post come from grandkids to freely speak their pain because I’m learning new some other star, not from a fellow minds provided they don’t lose stuff. I’m also training in mixed some respect? Kapuso artist like Janine. martial arts—doing boxing, juAnd what was wrong, in the Meanwhile, as a grandmother jitsu and muay thai—this time, for who has never stopped at being first place, with Janine’s post? my other movie. At least, I get to one despite the failed marriage Wasn’t it an expression of surprise perspire since I’m not able to play between her son Monching and rather than of derision? basketball these days. I’m also off Or was Pilita simply taking her Lotlot, Pilita thought best to call computer games now—and that’s Janine’s attention, “Kinagalitan ill feelings toward Lotlot on Janine, a good thing. I admit, before, puro ko talaga siya,” she bragged, even that Lotlot’s junking her son and eventually remarrying is what she Joshua Garcia (second from right) with his costars in “Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” ako laro, pero ’di ko nilaro ang calling her behavior wrong. Contributed photo puso,” he quipped. It was naturally expected of the actually sees to be wrong?

What’s wrong with speaking one’s mind? by ronnie

CarraSCo ManilaTimes.net

iii

IN a recent episode of a weekly online showbiz program where she guested to promote her preValentine show, Pilita Corrales — hailed as Asia’s Queen of Song — confessed to having admonished her granddaughter Janine Gutierrez for the latter’s slur against Senator Bong Revilla’s return on TV via her social media account. Janine is the daughter of Pilita’s son Ramon Christopher by Lotlot de Leon. Pilita turned up at a program where Lolit Solis, Revilla’s business manager cum friend, is one of the hosts. It will be remembered (or rather forgotten) that late December last year, Janine posted “Oh, my God…’di ko kaya, Besh!” pertaining to Revilla’s TV comeback on GMA. Among the first to have vehemently reacted was Solis who likewise took to social media her indignant feelings toward Janine. Solis maintained that showbiz is too small an industry for people

Cruz

Inquirer.net

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA LIFE is, indeed, “a moveable feast” to borrow verbiage from Hemingway. Travel makes it so. Do it while you can. I ask friends at random what is on the top tier of their personal bucket list. A consistent response is that they want to travel — to see the world —whether the world as their oyster, is local or global: just their town, city, or state, the length and breadth of their native land, or, if personal circumstances permit it, the world at large. One friend said that she and her family have been to 22 of the states in the US and would very much like to go visit all 50 states. This is at the top of her bucket list. Another said that she would like to travel to Europe except she could not find the time while she is still working. There are those who list the Via Dolorosa in the Holy Land and would like to take the time to travel to pilgrimage sites: Lourdes in France, Fatima in Portugal, Medjugorje in Bosnia and other sites where the Blessed Mother has appeared to children. The Grand Canyon is a sight to behold. The Great Wall of China is a must-see. Hongkong rocks and Palawan beckons. Bali says hi. What’s up with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat? Among the Japanese where the love of nature is deep, one of the more popular trips among the very hip, is to experience, at least once in their lifetimes, braving the freezing temperatures in the Arctic regions to witness first hand the dancing, mesmerizing Northern lights, the Aurora Borealis. To them, it is a sort of spiritual experience. I’m a warm-blooded creature so I’ll take their word for it and experience the Northern lights vicariously. Then there are those who have been permanently bitten by the travel bug and have accumulated travel mileage to circle the moon and back. A married couple I know have made it a point to travel extensively and have visited more than 50 countries thus far, making it a point to spend the Christmas holiday season in a different country every year. They travel light (perhaps the first rule of travel) and have become savvy on the art and science of world travel: planning in advance, budgeting, dealing with foreign currency, being aware of the local culture, booking planes and trains and arranging transport, choosing hotels and navigating their way in strange

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS VEGGIES: Stomach saver Those taking NSAID drugs like ibuprofen, and other anti-arthritis pain medications regularly can be victims of stomach irritation which could result in ulcers and bleeding complications. To prevent stomach ulceration, ingesting 8 to 10 ounces of vegetables a day can work wonders by protecting the stomach wall lining, according to a researcher at Sweden’s Uppsala university. Protective Brain Food If you want a healthy snack, one that keeps your brain sharp and reduces your risk for the development of Alzheimer’s, nothing beats crunchy celery, cucumber, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, olives, bell peppers, and other veggies. Eating them uncooked preserves all the phyto-chemicals in them, like luteolin, which prevents brain inflammation, a common condition linked to ageing, chronic brain syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and others. So, to stay young, and have a sharper mind, stay away from the high carbo snacks, including soft drinks, and savor the benefits from these crunchy veggies. Even your looks and your complexion will shine, with your favorite moisturizer, and without the use of glutathione or other expensive herbal products, which may even be dangerous after chronic use. Veggies are in, especially among teenagers. We, adults, should learn from the younger generation. Menu for health and longevity Omega 3 fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA) is a popular supplement to eating fish for its cardio-protective benefit. It can lower blood pressure, help new brain cells regenerate and reduce the risk of the development of Alzheimer’s, minimize inflammation, and is a great aid in the management of cholesterol and arthritis. It also boosts the immune system. When digested, fish oil breaks down to hormone-like ingredients called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation, like in arthritis (inflammation of the joints). This leads to lesser need for pain

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Bucket list No.6

The world is your oyster - Go travel “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” — Marcel Proust countries. Their experiences over the years can fill a travelogue but they go for the sheer love of adventurous travel, having gone to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas in Peru and other exotic destinations. There are 3 things required for travel. These include health, time and money. You need to be in relatively good health to have the stamina for the rigors posed by walking, hefting luggage, prepping and being on your toes for activities and the stresses that come with travel. Particularly post 9/11, travel has become so tiresome because of tight security measures to counter terrorism. The second factor, especially for those who are still working for a living, is finding the time to squeeze travel in the limited amount of vacation days. The third factor is, of course, probably easier than the first two — finding the money required to fund travel. If still employed, then you can still make the money to fund the trip. Depending on the destination and the duration chosen, travel can require very little money or a lot of it. The most basic of travel gear is a good pair of broken-in walking shoes. Your feet will love you for it. While you can travel alone, it is certainly much more fun and safer, if you go with a traveling companion who shares your spirit of fun. If you are straddling the issue of whether to travel or not and you have at least 2 of the 3 basic requirements, I say, GO FOR IT, while you can still walk on two feet and have good eyesight and in relatively good health. If this is important to you, don’t hesitate. You can perhaps wangle the time, save the money or charge it to your credit card and pay it down later. But if one has serious health challenges that require being close to a medical facility, it can be a bit tricky to pull this off as part of your bucket list. It is still possible to travel even if wheelchair-bound or if one uses a walker or a cane, but the level of difficulty for yourself and your companions will be a tad higher. Still, it may be worth a try. As in any circumstance, the mind can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven. A lot of people wait for retirement age to do this because there

is available time and more often than not, there is expendable money for travel. The problem in many cases, is that when the time comes, there may be health challenges to contend with But who says one has to travel far in order to check this off from our bucket list? You can certainly explore the wonders in your own backyard or in your own neck of the woods. If you live in California, the possibilities for day trips and short trips are endless. Become a tourist in your own backyard and explore places like there is no tomorrow. There are mountains, deserts, coastlines, forests and campgrounds to explore. There are observatories, museums, restaurants parks and trails to discover. The truth is, we are only limited by our own sense of adventure. There are so many places that can be explored everywhere around the world but it is probably wise to start where we are right now. Or we can experience things vicariously as we read about travel adventures or watch travel shows or even surf virtually through the internet. But if life gives you the chance to physically travel and the spirit of adventure is in you, just do it. Getting there is half the fun; being there with all your senses engaged in the moment is the other half. The best thing about any kind of travel, local, domestic or international, is that it opens our eyes to the richness of our life here on earth. Yup, there is an embarrassment of riches right where we are. We just need to open our eyes and see and take it all in. Travel widens our horizons and broadens our understanding of human nature. We become aware of people of every stripe, color and persuasion. Above all, we learn to take nothing for granted. We come home appreciating our awfully tiny place in the universe and realize how blessed and fortunate we are to be part of all these. Don’t do it for show to post on social media. If done in the right spirit, there is something about travel that makes us more deeply thankful of just about everything in a quiet way. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Medical tip capsules medications as it also lubricates the joints. Fish oil is also good for auto-immune diseases. Indeed, a versatile supplement. Daily exercises, eating fish, minimal carbohydrates, and a lot of vegetables, some nuts and fruits at least three times a week, and abstaining from red meat and egg yolk (and tobacco, alcohol and dangerous drugs) is the healthy way to thrive happily, for children and adults alike. Viagra, Cialis, Levitra There are so many sex aids which come in herbal potions, pills, lotions, gels, and juices, including ginseng and similar herbs, but studies have shown that the best results for those with erectile dysfunction (ED) among men, young or old, were obtained by taking Viagra, Cialis or Levitra. These drugs should be taken only after consultation with a physician. Data today show that these pills are effective and safe for ED in men, [and must be] used under medical supervision. Sex could be fatal Sex is wonderful and healthy, but sleeping around indiscriminately or having multiple sex partners, can be hazardous to health and deadly. A perfectly healthy-looking person could be walking around with HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), including Syphilis. And no matter how normal looking the sexual organs of the women or men are, they could be harboring bacteria, fungi, viruses, and sometimes even parasites not obvious to the naked eye. Only a medical checkup and laboratory tests can confirm their presence or absence. STD infections in general, affecting the sexual organs, and of the eyes and mouth, are common. Be smart. You do not want a 15-minute of pleasure to risk your health and life for weeks, if not years of agony and shame. An internet message says, “unlike love, herpes is forever.” Sex is a major and serious responsibility, not only to our body and health but to our family and friends, and to all our loved ones. Laughter: A true healer Living a healthy lifestyle includes laughter. The more we laugh in life, the healthier we are. Indeed, laughter is “the best medicine.” Laughing increases our T-cells in the

body which boost our immunity. Laughing also lowers the cortisol (stress hormone) level allowing us to minimize stress and its adverse effects on our system. It also blocks out bad emotions within us, giving us a better outlook and perspective in life. Even when nothing is funny, laugh anyway, because the act of laughing in itself brings out all those benefits. And don’t worry if people think you are crazy and laugh at you. You are doing them a favor, anyway, by helping them get healthier. The present and the future Instead of the cumbersome, uncomfortable diagnostic procedures now available for detecting lung cancer, the University of Texas researchers are developing a new lung cancer test that allows the use of “a simple mouth tissue sample, which compares the changes that takes place 95% of the time in both mouth and lung cells” among those individuals with lung cancer. This would be a fantastic progress in our fight against lung cancer and cancers in general. A non-invasive “virtual biopsy” technology (using harmless electrical current to better detect skin and cervical cancer (and eliminate need for surgical biopsy) has been developed by an Australian scientist. A new ultrasound, “which can catch tiny tumors earlier,” is being evaluated for clinical use in Norway. Second to prevention, catching any cancer in its early stage can lead to a complete cure, among most cancers. Telemedicine, telesurgery, and robotic surgery are all here. Someday, all that patients have to do is to enter a diagnostic medical cubicle, attach sensors and leads following video instructions, answer some verbal questions from a RobotMD and converse with it in a natural fashion, and a few minutes later, whatever tests needed – blood tests, X-rays, CT, MRI, etc. versions 2120 (a hundred years from now) – would be completed in minutes, with diagnoses instantly reported to you by RobotMD and treatment done or medications dispensed right there and there. By then, cancers and killer tuberculosis, syphilis and other diseases of the past, will be treated and cured with pills. Physicians and PAGE 12

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020

Calendar of Events across

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UPAAGLA networking in Los Angeles “TAMBAYAN: UP Alum Networking” on Thursday, February 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. is organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles Area, Inc. (UPAAGLA) at WURSTKUCHE, 800 E. 3rd St @ Traction, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Please join fellow UP alums in an informal gathering over exotic sausages and beer in the Art District of Downtown Los Angeles. Bring business cards! KKB (Kanya-Kanyang Bayad) but due to limited space, please RSVP at https://uptambayan.eventbrite.com.

F E B R UA RY 2 1

Pananaw Ng Puso art exhibit opening in LA Pananaw Ng Puso (“Insights of the Heart”) is Tiinz Taruc’s one-woman exhibit beginning Friday, February 21 until March 31,2020. It will be held at FASGI Bayanihan Center at 135 N. Park View St., Los Angeles, CA 90026. The opening reception on Feb. 21 will start at 6 p.m. Tiinz is a gifted impressionist and portraitist. She daringly paints with bold strokes and vivid colors in defiance of her sight limitations, she is colorblind and half-blind. This is not surprising given her lineage as the granddaughter of National Hero Luis Taruc, founder and leader of the Hukbalahap (People’s Anti-Japanese Army) movement during World War II. Tiinz continuously faces life’s adversities with optimism and positivity. She is determined to keep painting to inspire others. Tiinz is a survivor and strong advocate for women’s rights. Tiinz’s paintings feature her unique trademark images, which include koi fish, dynamic circles and flowers. Her paintings also pay tribute to the Blessed Mother and Baby Jesus (Santo Nino), a sign of her deep faith which, she says, motivate her to continue painting. The FASGI Arts Incubator Program was created in 2016 to promote and uplift Filipino and Filipino American arts and culture. The program’s mission is to: (1) help Filipino American artists to be properly recognized and given economic opportunities for advancement; (2) enable Filipino Americans to get in touch with their culture; and (3) to educate mainstream America on Philippine/American art. It currently includes a permanent gallery, special exhibits, portraiture, and an artist-in-residence program.

F E B R UA RY 23

SIPA and #Hashtag Lunchbag host food drive in Historic Filipinotown Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and #Hashtag Lunchbag are joining forces to create positive changes in Historic Filipinotown. On Sundays, February 23, May 17, September 13, November 22, and December 27, SIPA will be hosting a Food Drive with #HashtagLunchbag to create letters of encouragement, decorate lunch bags, and assemble sandwiches for those in need in Historic Filipinotown and Greater LA. When finished, we will be giving out lunch bags to homeless youth, women, and families. The event will be happening from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 3200 W Temple Street, LA, CA 90026. Parking is available on Dillon/ Temple and Robinson/Temple. Donations of $10+ are not required, but are highly suggested so that we can continue to have community service events like these. You can donate in person, through our Venmo: @SIPA-LA, and our Square Store: squareup.com/store/sipacares. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Maria Carmel Valendez at maria@sipacares.org or (213) 382-1819 ext. 107.

F E B R UA RY 29

23rd annual Susan G. Komen ‘More than Pink Walk’ in Los Angeles Susan G. Komen Los Angeles County will hold its 23rd annual event at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, February 29, the ‘MORE THAN PINK Walk™.’ Known for raising significant monies to help those with breast health issues in Los Angeles County, the affiliate does so with many activities, the Expo, Hope Village, for survivors and those living with breast cancer, Reflection Tent, and Team Zone in addition to the fun MORE THAN PINK Walk™ itself. There’s something everyone will enjoy. Sponsored by AutoNation, Spiritual Gangster, The Citadel and CBS-2/KCAL-9, 2020’s event is expected to significantly surpass 2019’s attendance of 6,000, nearly 400 survivors in attendance, and over 900 members on the largest corporate team.Through events like the Los Angeles County MORE THAN PINK Walk™, Komen Los Angeles County invests 75% of the funds raised to support vital local breast health services and dedicates the remaining 25% to national research to find the cures. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. To participate, call 310.575.3011 or visit komenlacounty.org/walk.

Free oil filter & motor oil recycling event in South LA ATTENTION ALL FLORENCE-FIRESTONE RESIDENTS: Free Oil Filter & Motor Oil Recycling Event on Saturday, February 29! It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AutoZone (5858 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001). Everyone is invited to bring in their used motor oil and used oil filters. All those who recycle their used oil filter will receive one FREE new Oil Filter. Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our environment and keeps our water clean. So don’t miss out – it’ll be easier for you to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.

Technology 101 Workshop in Los Angeles Please join the Pilipino Workers Center and UCLA Interns for the highly anticipated Technology 101 Workshop on Saturday, February 29. The instructors will on improving participants’ skills and knowledge of cellular phones and personal computers. Food will be provided! It will be held at Pilipino Workers Center at 153 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please bring your laptops and phones if possible. To RSVP, please call (213) 2504353.

MARCH 7

‘The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook’ family cooking demo and book signing in Long Beach, CA Flipp Family and Romeo Chocolates Present “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” demo and book signing on Saturday, March 7 from 1-4 p.m. This is a two-part event: 1-2 p.m. (Paid ticket required): Cooking demo will be an interactive experience where everyone, including the kids will be able to learn one of the recipes from the cookbook. Romeo, owner of Romeo Chocolates, will also do a special champorado recipe that can easily be made in the Instant Pot as well! This portion requires a paid ticket. Kids are free with adult ticket purchase. 2-4 p.m. is free, but RSVP ticket required: After the cooking demo, you will be able to purchase the cookbook or bring your copy to get signed. Hangout with the authors in an intimate casual setting. “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” features over 75 traditional Filipino recipes, including desserts adapted for the Instant Pot. It is the brainchild of six Filipino American home cooks “who set out to explore their Filipino heritage and intimate family histories, one dish at a time.” The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook has been so well received that it is now a bestseller on Amazon. Flipp Family is building community by cultivating the Filipino culture through various events that are highlighted through food, music, dance etc. Flipp Family is about bringing families together and learn more about their culture as a whole family. The event will be held at Romeo Chocolates at 460 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802.

MARCH 10

Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform in Stevenson Ranch, CA The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will swing into the Santa Clarita Valley for a special one-night-only event to be held at West Ranch High School on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. The most sought-after big band in the world will take the stage with Bandleader Nick Hilscher at the helm, performing beloved hits from their extensive library which includes In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade and Pennsylvania 6-5000. Hosted by West Ranch High School’s music program, the concert will be an event for all ages and offers the chance to experience history, enjoy the magical melodies and walk away knowing you’re supporting a new generation of talented musicians in the process. The most popular and sought after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. The performance will be held at West Ranch High School Theater (26255 Valencia Blvd. Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381). Ticket prices are $25 – Seniors/Students/Military; $30 – General; or $40 – Premium Seating. Prices increase by $5 at the door the day of the event. Tickets available online at westranchmusic.com or by calling (661) 222-1220 ext. 645.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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february 20-26, 2020 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

Alden on what it’s like to work with his idol Bea by AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

“STARSTRUCK!” That, in sum, was how Kapuso actor Alden Richards described how he felt the first time he saw Bea Alonzo, his next leading lady from the Kapamilya network. “I’m such a fan of ‘One More Chance,’ and she (Bea) knows that. I was starstruck the first time I saw her and John Lloyd Cruz,” he recalled. (John Lloyd is Bea’s leading man in the said movie, which is one of Alden’s favorites.) Alden was recently spotted with Bea in Thailand. “We shot something there for a project, but we cant’ reveal anything yet,” the actor admitted when prodded by reporters in a recent interview. So, how was it like working with his female idol? “She’s (Bea) very kind and easy to be with,” he said. “Being able to work with someone you used to idolize is fun and heartening.” While a new film may be in the offing, there’s no forthcoming soap, he said. “There are a lot of pitches and talks, but nothing’s final yet. But for sure, there will be one [movie] this year,” the Kapuso hunk said. Last week, on his Instagram page, Alden posted a mirror selfie—bare-chested and looking pretty pleased with his toned abs, which he had been secretly working on. The comments section, as expected, was a riot. “Yes, pandesal for breakfast,” actress Lovi Poe wrote. “Well, bring me some coffee!” a fan replied. “I owe it to myself because, for the longest time, I have been telling myself that I want to have abs. But puro drawing lang,” he told reporters at a recent visit to the set of “Centerstage,” GMA 7’s upcoming singing competition for kids .

But this time, he willed himself to achieve his goal. And through proper exercise, diet and a whole lot of “discipline and hard work,” the 28-year-old actor was able to shed around 25 to 30 pounds in the last four months. And now, the definition on his stomach he sees when he looks at himself in the mirror certainly isn’t just a drawing. “I hid it [from the public]; I didn’t show anyone that I was training and preparing for something. I rarely took selfies at the gym,” he related. “Because I wanted it to be a surprise for 2020.” “Centerstage,” which airs Sundays Feb. 16, will be hosted by Alden and comedian Betong Sumaya. Comprising the panel of judges are Pops Fernandez, Aicelle Santos and Mel Villena. “This is something new for me. The challenge for me is dealing with kids and figuring out how they think. I have to come up with ways on how to make it easier for them to take the judges’ and viewers’ decisions,” he said. In a separate interview, he related that he enjoys being around aspiring artists because he sees his younger self in them. “In our show ‘All-Out Sundays,’ for instance, there are a lot of new artists, and it’s nice to know that they’re all so eager to work on their craft—singing, dancing, comedy,” he said. After 10 years in show biz, Alden is now the one being called “kuya.” “That’s nice to know, that I’m someone they look up to. I want to serve as an inspiration for them. We always have to be up for something better and big, not only for ourselves, but for the people who love us.” While his job in “Centerstage” is limited to hosting, Alden still hopes to learn or pick up some valuable tips when it comes to music, because he does dabble in it and hold concerts from time

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sphere of human endeavor, benefits mankind as a whole. We are indeed lucky to be living in this world of today, in spite of all its imperfections and problems, most of which are man-made. For world peace and prosperity, where there is no war, poverty, nor hunger, all humankind really needs is love, tolerance, compassion, and respect for each other. And the best place to start is at our own home and community.

269 girls soccer teams from around the world to participate in Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Soccer Showcase Feb. 21-23 Public welcome to attend games with free spectator admission on international “friendly” games on Thursday-Friday

The 2020 Las Vegas Mayor’s fields at four different parks. and public transportation are Cup International Showcase The two-weekend event is co- recommended. Spectators are continues Feb. 21-23 with the hosted by the city of Las Vegas encouraged to bring their own girls competitions. The boys and the Downtown Las Ve- seating to attend games at the teams competed Feb. 15-17 in gas Soccer Club (DLVSC), and following fields: • Bettye Wilson Soccer Comwhat has become the largest an- brings about $29 million into nual international youth soccer the local economy, according plex, 7353 eugene Ave. • Kellogg Zaher Sports Comtournament in the country dur- to Downtown Las Vegas Soccer ing Presidents’ Day weekend. Club President Roger Tabor. plex, 7901 W. Washington Ave. • ed Fountain Park, 1400 N. The annual showcase hosted The showcase attracts college 472 male youth soccer teams soccer coaches and recruiters Decatur Road Alden Richards • All-American Park, 1551 S. from five continents last week- from across the country to scout Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02 Buffalo Drive end. This weekend, 269 female the young athletes. to time. International “friendly” games Spectator admission and teams, ages 11-19, from five “There’s a different sense of foreign countries and 24 U.S. parking are free at all games. are scheduled Thursday and Frifulfillment when I’m able to pull states will compete on valley Parking is limited; carpooling day, Feb. 20-21, as follows: off [something] that’s out of my comfort zone, like some of the stuff Date Team 1 Country Age Time Location Team 2 Country I did in my past concerts. It’s a nice feeling, a liberating experience. It’s 2001/2002 7:30 p.m. Kellogg DLVSC 02 Las Vegas, Thursday, great being able to explore differCaboto SC Canada Zaher 6 Gold USA Feb. 20 ent fields in show biz, and discovering new things you didn’t know you were capable of,” he said. British Allmanna Kellogg Mountain Still, there are moments of Columbia, 2006 6 p.m. IdrottZaher 6 United Sweden doubt. But the uncertainty, he Canada sklubben pointed out, is beneficial to an artist FF in the long run. “I get nervous whenever I have British St. Albert Alberta, 2005 8 p.m. Kellogg Coastal to perform or host. But I think that Columbia, Impact Canada Zaher 7 United an artist becomes stagnant when Canada you don’t get nervous anymore or when you get overconfident or full of yourself,” he said. “When Fairbanks Alaska, 2003 6 p.m. Kellogg DLVSC 02 Las Vegas, you start thinking that you can do eclipse USA Zaher 7 NAVY USA everything, you stop growing.” his latest drama series, “The Gift,” ended last week after a 6 p.m. Kellogg DLVSC 06 Las Vegas, Burlington seven-month run, and he’s having Canada 2006 Zaher 5 Gold USA Bayhawks “a hard time letting go.” “I was happy with the show and cared a lot about it. I found a new family in Allmanna it. But all shows end. What matters Cragin Cook Inlet Alaska Friday, IdrottSweden 2006 5 p.m. most is what the project was able Park* Feb. 21 sklubben to give viewers,” he said.

Medical tip capsules

PAGE 11 nurses would be obsolete. Perhaps after another few centuries, all patients have to do is to enter a healing Kiosk and exit a few minutes later, healed of whatever illnesses they have. Impossible? No! I have no doubt this will come to pass. Man’s ingenuity, as shown by the achievements of the past 100 years alone, is an amazing grace and full of wonders. Progress in science, in every

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

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Tournament matches will be played from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8:40 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (depending on weather). Teams ages U11 to U14 are guaranteed three games; ages U15-U19 are guaranteed four games. Championship games for U13-U19 will be played on Sunday at Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex starting at 1 p.m.; championship games for ages U11-U12 will begin at 1 p.m. at All-American Park. Medals and trophies will be presented to winning teams following each

championship game, expected to be 2:30 to 4 p.m. Ward 4 Councilman Stavros S. Anthony will present trophies and awards Feb. 23 starting at 2:30 p.m. at Bettye Wilson Sports Complex; Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman will present trophies and awards Feb. 23 starting at 3:30 p.m. A total of 30 foreign girls teams are expected from Canada, Chile, Ireland, Mexico and Sweden. Girls Teams are coming from 24 U.S. states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois,

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FOR RENT

Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. For information on accepted teams, player profiles, college coaches expected to attend, tournament schedules and program, participating hotels and more, go online to www.LVMayorsCup.com or call 702-258-0279. Updated information and results will be posted there as they are finalized.

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 20-26, 2020

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Filip+Inna and Zacarias 1925: How Filipina... Donny is in the right direction by Boy

PAGE 10 the people who come to the trunk show, and talk about Philippine culture. It’s just a great way to sell the brand.” Nearly 10 years later, Cabili said the tides have turned in terms of Filipinos at home and abroad supporting the line. “Things have changed and people love supporting local artisans and people like working with artisans. I think it’s an inflection point for the Philippines because we’re just coming into something in terms of whether it’s culture or fashion or music or food. I think people are paying more attention to us. It’s an interesting time for Filipinos,” she said. Dresses can range from $600 to $900, while coats are around $700 to $950 depending on the design and embroidery. “The only way for people to put proper value into something like that is to really consider the handiwork,” Cabili said. “I mean, it can’t be fast fashion. The fact that it takes weeks or sometimes months, that means that it’s something really special.” The steeper price tags also factor in that the artisans are compensated fairly for their efforts in making the pieces, Cabili explained. The quality also shows that the individual pieces are meant to be investments and not discarded after one season. “I think sometimes people forget that when they look at it and then they say, ‘Oh, it’s expensive.’ But they need to look at it in the proper perspective – that it’s something that is made by hand…Almost all our pieces are one-of-a-kind because even if it’s the same pattern, you will see that their take on the design is different for each,” she said. As for Filip+Inna’s growth, Cabili is eyeing introducing men’s and children’s lines. But don’t expect a brick and mortar store anytime soon. “I think there’s beauty in being able to have the opportunity to create something with you controlling time rather than the other way around. I always say that we’re the turtles of fashion, we’re very slow,” she said. “But you know, people wait [and] they’re getting used to it…When they finally get it, they appreciate it. It’s something that they value.” Zacarias 1925 Also featured at the Workshop Residence was Zacarias 1925, a line of hand-woven bags and home accessories by creative director Rita Nazareno. The line, named after Nazareno’s grandfather who was an architect, also carries on the legacy of her grandmother who started S.C. Vizcarra in 1925. The pieces are also made at the same workshop. While S.C. Vizcarra’s hand-woven bags are more traditional and linear, Nazareno draws on her global travels and inspiration from art, architecture and cinema. “Some have called [the line] contemporary, some have called it avant-garde. I think it’s just the proportions that I enjoy and how you can push weaving techniques, shapes and textures,” Nazareno, a former producer and creative services director for local TV stations in LA and Houston, said. The designer’s call back to the family business has been a way to express her creative chops and give back to the art that gave her opportunities. After receiving a master’s degree in design management and fashion at London College of Fashion, she returned to Manila in 2010 and started her line. “I surprised myself by saying yes [to come home], because [my mom had] been asking… and I’ve been so happy with my career,” she said. “But then sometimes, you know, there’s a pull that you need to and it’s more than just an obligation.” One of Zacarias 1925’s iconic bags is modeled after the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Another special collection called Zacarapata — made in collabo-

ABundA

Philstar.com

Nazareno’s inspiration for her bags include architecture and different shapes she sees in her travels, including the bilbao (top) which references the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain.

ration with street artist Garapata — is a commentary of the global infestation of commercialization. Bags, some of which take up to 15 days to create, run from $250 to $700 depending on the intricacy of the weaves and materials used, such as wicker and leather, which gives a more contemporary aesthetic. Zacarias 1925’s workshop also has room for bespoke and commissioned orders. “It’s a more contemporary thrust on the very traditional craft of hand-weaving. I use a variety of materials and a combination of materials from wicker, leather, microfiber, canvas, and even nylon ropes we’ve done. I look at things that interest me,” Nazareno said. “It’s fantastic for men and women, and somewhere in between…I do enjoy androgyny.” The pieces themselves take on unconventional, obtrusive shapes or do not look practical upon first glance, yet they are meant to be functional (like how the wicker backpack can fit a MacBook laptop). “It’s fun stuff. I like giggling, I like wit. Let’s hope that people see a little bit of it there,” she said. Every September, Nazareno releases a spring-summer collection, which is shown at Premiere Classe, a leading accessories and fashion trade show during Paris Fashion Week. The line attracts buyers from Europe, Asia and the United States during this show. Last year, Zacarias 1925 was part of luxury store Please Do Not Enter’s Pulo Project in Los Angeles, which highlighted various Filipino and Filipino American designers and artists throughout the summer. The store continues to have some pieces from Zacarias 1925, and it can also found at retailers in Santa Barbara, California, various cities in Italy (from Torino to Milan), and Montpellier and Paris in France. Nazareno explains that trunk shows overseas like in San Francisco and Los Angeles have been a way to push the brand’s story, be directly in front of the consumer and introduce them to high-quality Philippine handicrafts. She is slated to do more trunk shows alongside other Filipina-owned brands in major U.S. cities later this year. “I think people are going back to the general store, mom-andpop, local community kind of path,” she said, emphasizing the importance of finding stores abroad that can champion the brand like Workshop Residence in San Francisco. “It’s always nice to have that exchange — it’s an energy and cultural exchange and you grow from that.” With more brands emerging and embracing the “made in the Philippines” seal, Nazareno said she welcomes the selection of designers and companies that also do hand-woven bags and accessories. “Certainly the design is very different. I think our jumping off points are also already different. I mean, we do have the same material and I love the fact that there’s room out there for everyone,” she said. “I enjoy the fact that there are a lot of designers, especially from the Philippines, who use the same material but have their

Filip+Inna clothes, tapestry, purses and other items are on display in a table and clothes rack at a recent trunk show at the Workshop Residence in the Dogpatch area of San Francisco.

An embroidered skirt and a woven bustier at the trunk show. AJPress photos by Joseph L. Peralta

own voice.” In turn, she hopes this will get more consumers to invest and buy from their fellow Filipinos, whether in the Philippines or abroad. “People are harking back to local, to communities, and to hand-made things. They see the importance, the character and the beauty of it…There’s soul to this. You can’t get this from a plastic bag made in China, right?” she said. “Somehow there’s an indescribable factor that there’s a character and a soul to an object and you can feel that because it is made by hands that have been doing it for years and years and that have been passed on.”

HIS good looks and irresistible charm started winning scores of fans for Donny Pangilinan when he entered showbiz as a MYX VJ. Later on, the ultimate charmer even gained more followers when he ventured into acting. Donny is equally famous on social media what with his Twitter account that currently has 1.6 million followers and on Instagram, 1.4 million followers. His recent vlog with Robi Domingo showing them holding hands instantly caught the attention of netizens. The two did the Walang Bibitaw Challenge on Robi’s official YouTube channel. The viral vlog showed Donny and Robi holding hands while walking around the mall where the latter decided to buy an external hard drive. They even tried eating at a resto still holding hands. Some would tease that a new tandem was born: DonBi. Donny shared how the idea came about. “It was Robi who thought about us making a fun vlog together. He said, ‘Let’s do a fun way of breaking toxic masculinity’ and I said, ‘Okay, sure why not?’ It was fun; game na game po ako sa mga ganyan.” Apart from it being fun to watch, the vlog also showed closeness between friends. “Sometimes people feel like there’s only certain ways you can show affection towards people pero walang limits ‘yun eh and we break that,” he added. Asked how did it feel after

holding hands for two hours, Donny quipped, “Pasmado si Robi (laughs). I would say it’s not something that’s normal to me but if other people feel that’s the other way of showing affection so who are we to say no?” Truth is, there are places where people normally hold hands and there are other places or countries where hugging is common. It’s just that much of what enters our consciousness, of course, comes from the culture around us. Oftentimes, people tend to stick to stereotyping. It’s a nice idea that Robi and Donny somehow tried to break these stereotypes. What Donny found truly admirable was the pleasant attitude of real-life couple Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio, popularly known as LoiNie. They were comfortable exchanging ideas while shooting for the Star Cinema movie “James & Pat & Dave.” The romantic-comedy is a sequel to the 2016 blockbuster “Vince & Kath & James” under the same director Theodore Boborol. Donny portrays the character Dave, the former boyfriend of Loisa’s Pat. He’s thankful that LoiNie didn’t make him feel left out while they were working on the movie. “I’m so thankful na hindi nila pina-feel na third wheel lang ako. They instantly treated me as a friend and I want to thank them for that. They never made me feel left out.” Donny used to have Kisses Delavin as an onscreen partner but since the actress transferred to another network, he is now

Donny Pangilinan Photo from Instagram/@donny

being linked to Belle Mariano, his leading lady in the new iWant original series titled “He’s Into Her.” According to reports, the “Goin’ Bulilit” alum serves as an inspiration to the actor. “Yes,” admitted Donny and added, “because as you said she came from ‘Goin’ Bulilit’ and I’ve been only working with her for two months but I can really see that she wants to be in this industry. She really wants to prove herself lalo na nung lumabas na ‘yung (names) cast ng ‘He’s Into Her’ because there were some who said she’s not fit for the role and I think she’s very inspired to prove them wrong and I believe she can do that. If you are very passionate with your work, nakaka-inspire po ‘yun.”

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THERE’S STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR THE ROGERS FOUNDATION ARTS AND EDUCATION GRANTS

Applications now being accepted until March 22 for $75,000 in grants focused on imagination, knowledge and assurance

LAS VEGAS — Southern Nevada’s premier champion of arts and education, The Rogers Foundation, is currently accepting online applications for $75,000 in new arts and education grants. Grant opportunities for K-12 schools in Clark County and community organizations in concert with these schools are available in three focus areas: Gift of Imagination, Gift of Knowledge, and Gift of Assurance. Each focus area will award up to $25,000. Grant applications are now available on The Rogers Foundation website www. therogers.foundation through March 22, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Recipients will be announced at the end of May.

The Rogers Foundation mission is to help kids succeed in their educational goals. With that in mind, they are dedicated to supporting institutions, programs, initiatives, and educators that transform the lives of children in Southern Nevada through arts and education. To that end, The Rogers Foundation will accept grant applications for support in a number of areas including; arts and music programs in Southern Nevada schools, support for specific needs at local schools with significant ELL populations, support for programs or initiatives that focus on STEM, supplement funding for high school or college entrepreneurship programs, establish

funding for mentorship programs, and technology, furnishings, additional educators, or support staff (for direct student assistance only) as well as other areas. The Rogers Foundation works with Grantwell, a program within the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs at UNLV, to evaluate and make funding recommendations for these education focused grants. Interested applicants may also find the Grant Proposal Resource Guide and Budget Worksheet helpful. To learn more about the grants, scholarships and other endeavors of The Rogers Foundation and to apply online, visit www.therogers. foundation.

Erwan looks back on 10 years with Anne: ‘You’re always moving forward’ by Niña GuNo

OUTREACH PROGRAM. The local government of Marikina City, the Philippine Bisayan Society of Nevada (PBSN), Philippine Medical Association of Nevada and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC) medical class 1972, successfully delivered free medical, surgical, dental, and Opthalmological services to the needy population of the 16 Barangays in Marikina City at the Marikina Sports Center from January 21 to January 24, 2020. The PBSN medical mission provided free consultations and medicine to a total of 2,800 individuals. The group also distributed slippers, toothbrush and toothpaste and eyeglasses. The assumption hs class 78 and 82 also sponsored feeding program for children on Jan 23, 2020.

Inquirer.net

ERWAN Heussaff expressed awe for his wife Anne Curtis with a touching message and a video on her 35th birthday today, Feb. 17. The dad-to-be posted a video on Instagram featuring Curtis in their scenic nature travels, from watching a sunrise, to her hair blowing in the wind on a boat ride. He listed the ways he had seen her grow and change in the 10 years they had been together, such as going through “late nights out to [order-in] TV dinners,” “insecurities to [self-confidence]” and “[tight-fitting] dresses to comfortable pregnancy jeans.” “Some things have changed, others have stayed the same, but you’re always moving forward,” he said. The two are expecting their first child together soon and Heussaff said he was excited to see her “come into motherhood.” “I don’t see it as a next step, or a new phase in life, more so as something you are adding to your growing list of accomplishments in life, because I know that there is still so much more to come,”

Erwan Heussaff and Anne Curtis are expecting their first child. Photo courtesy of Little Heartbeat Photography

he wrote. “Making me cry,” Curtis commented on the heartfelt post. The actress and TV host shared on her Instagram Stories that her husband made her birthday pancakes with raspberries and

blackberries. The vlogger has also been catering to her pregnancy cravings, such as making her avocado toast. The couple got married in New Zealand in November 2017.

‘Watch List’ director amazed at Alessandra’s talent Award-winning int’l film dedicated to Filipinos worldwide HOW far can a mother go and fight all odds to protect her children? Alessandra de Rossi tries to answer this question in her new movie, “Watch List.” Directed by American-Indian filmmaker Ben Rekhi from a screenplay he co-wrote with Rona Lean Sales, “Watch List” tells the story of a woman, portrayed by de Rossi, whose husband is killed and must now take on the role of family breadwinner and protector. Rekhi declared, “It’s a very human story. At its most basic, it’s about the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her children.” The deeply moving film is the result of the partnership of topcaliber artists from the Philippines and from abroad. “Watch List” stars a formidable all-Filipino cast composed of de Rossi, Jake Macapagal, Art Acuña, Lou Veloso, Jess Mendoza and Angeli Bayani with Timothy Mabalot and young but promising actor Micko Laurente. The Hollywood-based director reveals he cast actors not only fit their roles but could also carry the depth of emotion. “For me, filmmaking is 90percent casting,” Rekhi divulged explaining his meticulous casting for his film. He was very impressed with

Alessandra de Rossi stars in the crime thriller ‘Watch List.’

he’s just going to absolutely break people’s hearts. “Everyone performed at the top of their game!” Rekhi declared. Rekhi’s collaborators in the project include executive producer Anjay Nagpal, who served as co-executive producer of “Joker,” international cinematographer Daniella Nowitz, and award-winning Filipino production designer Ericson Navarro. “Watch List” has made the rounds of many international film festivals, namely the Deauville American Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Bahamas International Film Festival, International Film Festival of India, Nashville Film Festival and Mill Valley Film Festival. It recently won the Most Disturbing Fiction Film Award at the 2020 Tournai Ramdam Festival in Belgium. At these screenings, viewers, Rekhi said, were so affected and roused to tears. He even related his experience with a Filipina who watched at the world premiere at the Seattle Film Festival. “She stood up after the screening and started crying. She said, ‘I grew up in these neighborhoods, and I’ve never seen them portrayed like this before. It’s so real’,” the proud director recalled. Rekhi is dedicating “Watch List” to the Filipinos in front and behind-the-scenes who helped him make the film. “As an outsider, I worked very, very hard to tell an authentic and truthful story. It is my deepest hope that this story resonates with the Filipinos who were so American-Indian director Ben Rekhi praises his Filipino cast for bringing their top game in his gracious to us,” Rekhi ended. screen masterpiece. Photos courtesy of Reality Entertainment (ManilaTimes.net) everyone and singled out Alessandra, Jake, Art and Micko. “I was very fortunate. Alessandra’s talent is something I’ve never seen before. Jake, who is very well known in Hollywood for his work in ‘Metro Manila,’ brought a level of intensity that is going to surprise people. Art Acuña is also a force of nature. One of the breakout performances is Micko Laurente who plays Alessandra’s teenage son. I think

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 20-26, 2020

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